

1 

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

@]^prfez^)0npi|rig|t fn. 

Shelf 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 




■ T 



I 


I • 





¥ 




I I 


I 


I 


4 







".'A' 



iri 


« < 



\ 



« 





« 4 










n . 

■f . ^ ’ 




% 






» 


> 






I 


I 


» 

1 

> ’ 

I 







I » \ ' « • , 

' . . 4 . • 


./ ' 


• «-• 


t • 


/•' t' 



< ^ i • . ■ I I , 

' I • * ■ 

> 1 </ - ■^' ■■' 

/fV/4 . t 


I 



/ 


« 


« 


i 


\ 

I 


t 

> 


♦ ' 


I > 






I 


• t 




.• ••» 


I I < 


vv 


» » 


• I . 




' ‘ '*■'* , , • 

' ■■' i' ' r '■'. ^ 


VJ 


■ I 


« 

• t 


a 

9 

t * 


• » 

' • 



I 


t 


k 


. > 

I 


i 

I 




'4 . 


I 




'4 




I 


V 



I 


K 


\ 


. ■ r 


\ 


V 

' V 


• « 


t' 




4 



% , 



i 


/ I 






* ♦ i 


t 

♦ 





• f 





« 



ICbe Hble lbour Secies 


•iiblished Semi-Weekly. By Subscription, per Year, Ten Dollars. April ao, 180a. 

Entered the New York Post-Office as second-class matter. 



BY 


SYLVANUS COBB. Jr. 




V 



THE QUEEN’S REVENGE 


A KOVEL. 


/ 

By SYLVANUS COBB, JR., 

VI 

Author of “ The Gunmaker of Moscow f “ Ivan the Serff Etc, 


t 



New York: 

THE F. M. LUPTON PUBLISHING COMPANY, 
No. 65 Duane Street. 







^"=a 

^ ‘‘lO 

* ^ 

o" 



COPYRIGHT, 1892, By 

THE F. M. LUPTON PUBLISHING COMPANY, 


THE QUEEN’S REVENGE 


CHAPTER I. 

THE KNIGHT OF LEON. 

The fifteenth century had dawned upon Spain, and the 
Christians had by degrees gained possession of all the 
Spanish Peninsula save Granada ; but Granada still 
gave a home and a kingdom to the Moor, and here 
the Moslem held his sceptre against the mighty pow- 
ers that were growing in the north. There were scenes of 
festivity in Grenada, and magnificent tournaments, too, 
were held there ; nor was the participation in these con- 
fined to the Moors, for Christian knights from Spain and 
France and Germany frequently came and joined in the 
lists. Tlie Moor was wary, however, and his darkly flash- 
ing eye slept not upon his Christian visitors. 

It was a bright morning in early summer. The gardens, 
the fields and the forests were clothed in their gayest vest- 
ments, and the birds sent aloft the notes of their thanks- 
giving in sweetly-sounding, musical paeans. Near the river 
Gaudix, and upon its northern bank, appeared two horse- 
men ; their beasts were standing still, and the rid^ers were 
gazing upon a stream that flowed before them. Back 
of them, toward the north, was a deep forest, from which 
they had just emerged, while ahead, to the southward, some 
twelve miles distant, a few glittering spires could be seen, 
and near these loomed up the bright towers of the Alham- 

( 3 ) 


4 


THE QUEEN REVENGE. 


bra. Further on, the eye rested upon the snow-clad sum- 
mits of the heaven-reaching Alpujarras, with the Sierre 
Nevada, towering aloft with its crown of regal white, the 
monarch of Mountain Spain. 

The first of the horsemen was a young man attired in a 
gorgeous suit of mail. The subtle links were of the bright- 
est steel, and they were wrought with the most exquisite 
skill and workmanship. Over this suit of full mail the man 
wore a frock of crimson silk, upon the breast of which was 
wrought in golden threads the cross of Leon. Upo» his 
head he wore a steel cap, formed of nicely adjusted plates, 
slightly conical in its form, and from the top of which 
waved a triple plume of white ostrich feathers. If the cross 
upon the knight’s breast did not at once betray the king- 
dom from whence he came, the rich dress of the black steed 
that bore him would have cleared the matter at once. Over 
the plates of steel that the horse wore upon his breast, and 
covering the back and sides of the animal, was a drapery 
of crimson silk, upon which was wrought in various colors 
of silver and gold the cross and the lion — the insignia of 
Christian Leon. 

The knight was not over six-and-twenty years of age, be- 
ing tall and well-formed, with a fullness of limb and muscle 
that spoke of much strength and manly exercise. His hair 
was worn in the usual manner of the times, long and flow- 
ing, the curls of which escaped freely from beneath the 
steel cap. His features were noble in their moulding, and 
possessed a degree of beauty that can be made up only from 
the promptings of a generous soul and a noble and brave 
heart. 

The knight’s companion was an odd-looking being, 
dressed in the common garb of an humble esquire, with 
leggings of half-armor, and wearing a stout breast-plate. 
He wore upon his head a steel skull-cap, and the face that 


THE QUEEN REVENGE. 


5 


looked oiit from beneath the small vizor was beaming with 
good nature and shrewd cunning. He was some years 
older than his master, and though not so tall by several 
inches, he yet possessed a quantity of muscle that showed 
itself in big masses about his breast and limbs, and those 
who had come once within his clutches never afterward 
doubted that Pedro Bambino’s muscle was as good in qual- 
ity as in quantity. The horse he rode was of an iron gray 
color, and full as stout as his master’s. 

“ Pedro,” said the knight, as he reined his horse further 
back from the edge of the river, there must be a bridge 
somewhere about here.” 

“In truth there is,” returned the esquire, “or at least 
there used to be one, for I crossed it myself not a dozen 
years ago; but I think it is further up the stream.” 

“ Then up the stream we’ll go,” said the knight, as he 
turned his horse’s head in that direction. 

Accordingly both riders started off, and at the end of half 
an hour they came to the place where a bridge was thrown 
across the river. They passed over to the other side, and 
there they found themselves in a broad road that led to the 
city of Granada. 

“ We are in the right way now,” said Pedro Bambino. 

“Yes,” returned the knight. 

“ Buf what would all this gain us if they would not let 
us into the city ? ” suggested the esquire. 

“ There’ll be no trouble about that, Pedro. A peaceable 
Christian knight will not be refused admittance within the 
city.” 

“Nor a peaceful Christian esquire,” added Pedro. 

“ No,” said the knight, with a smile. 

“ Then there can’t be much danger,” continued Pedro, 
as he spurred up his horse. 

For some time the two rode on in silence. Even the 


6 


THE QUEEN R EVE NGN. 


mind of the esquire seemed deeply interested in the gorgeous 
scenery that opened upon the view, and more than once 
he allowed his horse to stop, as he became lost in a sort of 
rapt wonder at the scenes that lay ahead. The snow-capped 
Alpuj arras riveted most of his attention, and it was not un- 
til the taller forest trees began to gather over his head and 
shut out the mountains, that he gave any due attention to 
his beast. 

‘ ‘ What does that inean ? ’ ’ uttered Pedro, as they entered 
a ravine of palms and gall-nuts. 

“What?” returned the knight, inquisitively. 

“ My horse smells something. See him toss that dainty 
head and open those nostrils. There — hear that snort.” 

Both men cast their eyes about them, and it was not long 
before the object that had awakened the instinct of the 
brute was discovered. Upon the side of the road, and at 
the foot of a huge rock, sat a man who seemed by his coun- 
tenance to be in considerable pain. He seemed an old 
man, for his hair and beard were gray, and he was dressed 
in the garb of a man in the lower* ranks of life. The 
Christians pulled in their steeds as they came abreast of 
where the man sat, and the knight bent over to get a fair 
view of him. 

“Sir knight,” said the man, half raising himself to his 
feet, “ do you go to the city ? ” 

“Yes.” 

“ Then, in the name of the God you worship, I ask you 
to carry me.” 

“San Jago, good man,” quickly responded Pedro — for 
he knew that if the man was carried, his horse would have 
to bear the burden — “ our horses are wayworn now. We’ve 
ridden half the night, and ’twould be ” 

“Stop, Pedro,” interrupted the knight; and then turn- 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE. / 

ing toward the Moor, he continued, ‘ ‘ Are you unable to 
walk ? ” 

‘‘ I am, most truly, sir knight. I had climbed upon the 
top of this rock, and fell. My right ankle is badly sprained, 
and I fear I am otherwise injured.” 

What could you want up there? ” asked Pedro, casting 
his eyes up to where the rock towered above his head. 

‘‘I wanted to see the rising sun,” returned the Moor. 

** You’d better have been in your bed than running after 
the sun, I should say.” 

There was a spark of indignation flashing in the dark 
eye of the Moor, but it quickly changed to a cast of mel- 
ancholy thought, and lookipg sharply into Pedro’s face, he 
said : 

<^My God made the sun the most glorious of all his 
world, and I love to look upon it. Go your way ; and I 
will crawl to the city as best I can.” 

“Hold — not quite so fast,” said the knight. “My 
good esquire has a way peculiarly his own but as good 
Christians we’ll not leave you here to suffer. Pedro, help 
the man to mount behind you. I know you would not feel 
easy to leave the man here.” 

With more alacrity than might have been expected, Pedro 
leaped from his horse and assisted the Moor to his feet. It 
was with much difficulty that the fellow moved along with 
Pedro’s aid, and not until the knight himself alighted and 
gave his assistance could the Moor be lifted to the horse’s 
back. 

“Sir knight,” said the lamed man, as the trio were 
mounted, “I do not wish to ask of you too much, but if 
you would hasten on to the city as fast as possible you would 
do me a favor for which I will be grateful.” 

The knight bade Pedro put spurs to his horse, and for 
some distance they galloped on at a good speed. At length 


8 THE QUEEN REVENGE. 

they came to an abrupt hill, and the beasts were allowed to 
walk up. 

“ You have come to join in the tournament to-morrow, I 
suppose," said the Moor, as he ran his eyes over the knight’s 
fine figure. * 

knew not there was one," returned the Christian, 
with a kindling eye. But i’ faith, I shall be there if 
there is." 

‘ * There will be a grand display of prowess, and many 
a bright eye to bear it witness," said the Moor. 

“By San Dominic, than I shall bear it witness too," 
cried Pedro, with a joyful look. “ I’ll bear my master’s 
shield ’gainst the list. Ha, Pedro, we’’ll see." 

As the esquire said this he patted his horse emphatically 
upon the neck, and looked proudly upon his master. The 
Moor, too, gazed upon the knight. 

“You are from Leon," he said. 

“Yes," said the knight. 

“ And a cbunt, too," returned the Moor. 

“Yes." 

“ Count of Valladolid, too," answered the Moor. 

“Your eyes are sharp," said the knight, with a smile. 

“Sharp enough to know the meaning of your triple 
plume," said the Moor. 

“ So, so. Well, I am Charles, Count of Valladolid, and 
knight royal of Leon." 

“And what is Count Charles of Valladolid doing so far 
south ? " 

“ Seeing the country," returned the knight. And then 
with a sharp look into the face of the Moor, he continued : 

“As you are the first acquaintance I have made, whom 
might I call you ? ’ ’ 

“To tell the truth; good count," answered the Moslem, 
while a peculiar look overspread his features, “ it makes lit- 


THE QUEEN^S REVENGE. 


9 


tie difference what you call me. In all probability you will 
never see me again> and I don’t believe I shall ever re- 
ward you for the kindness you are at present doing me. 
However, I am sometimes called Abdalla, and if that name 
suits you, so you may call me.” 

The knight gazed curiously upon the Moor, for the 
swarthy features were not only regular and well formed, but 
they possessed a degree of intelligence that was not to be 
overlooked. There was something in his manner, too, that 
was puzzling, to say the least. 

‘‘Do you belong in the city of Granda?” asked Sir 
Charles. 

“As much there as anywhere.” 

“ But to judge from your haste you have urgent business 
there now.” 

“Yes.” 

That monosyllable was pronounced in a tone so peculiar 
that even Pedro turned half about in hts saddle and gazed 
into the face of the Moor. 

“ By San Dominic, but you are a curious man, all ways,” 
said the esquire. 

“ And this is a very curious world. Have you not dis- 
covered that yet? ” 

“ I’ faith you speak the truth now,” uttered Pedro; and 
as he spoke he turned once more to his horse’s head. 

They had topped the hill, and the city was open to view. 
The horses were put to a brisk trot, and nothing more was 
said until the gate was reached. The party were admitted 
without much questioning, and as they entered the city the 
people were busy at their daily callings. 

“ Here,” said the Moor, as they reached a narrow street 
that turned off toward the eastern part of the city, “ let me 
down here.” 

“ I will see you to your destination,” said the knight. 


10 


THE QUEEN REVENGE. 


“ This is near enough, sir. If you will accept my thanks 
for your kindness thus far, I will trouble you no further. 

Pedro helped the Moor to the pavement. The poor man 
stood with difficulty, and the count could not fail to see 
that his attempts to walk were attended with the most ex- 
quisite pain : yet he assured the knight that he could make 
his way alone, and that he should prefer to do so. 

“Charles of Valladolid,” said the Moor, as he turned 
toward the knight, “ you say that you have come here to 
see the country, but if you have business, be wary in per- 
forming it.” 

The knight looked wonderingly upon the Moslem ; but 
Abdalla waited for no answer. He turned and moved 
slowly, painfully away. 

“By San Jago, Sir Charles, what do you make of that? ” 
uttered Pedro. 

“I can’t make nothing of it,” returned the knight, in a 
puzzled, thoughtful mood, and without further remark he 
started on. 

Without difficulty the count found a public house that 
suited him, and having seen that his horse would be well 
provided for, he entered the building and ordered breakfast 
for himself and esquire. 


CHAPTER II. 

THE TOURNAMENT — ZEHRA. 

During the day the knight of Leon did little else than 
look about the city in company with his honest esquire. It 
was no unusual thing for Christians to be seen in the city, 
and the count and his companion attracted only passing 
notice from the Moors. Great preparations were going on 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE. il 

for the tournament that was to come off the next day. It 
was to be holden in a large square beyond the hill upon 
which stood the Alhambra, and thither the knight bent his 
steps toward the close of the day. 

The Granadan king, Mohammed VI., gave but little at- 
tention to the manly sports that so suited the tastes of his 
subjects, and, in fact, he gave but little attention to any- 
thing save his own pleasure and sensual comfort, with just 
enough of mental and physical activity to keep his throne 
from falling beneath him. The present anticipated tourna- 
ment had been agreed to by the king at the urgent solicita- 
tions of many of his best knights, and he had agreed not 
only to be present at its passage, but he was to superintend 
it. 

When Charles of Leon returned to his hotel in the even- 
ing he had resolved to attend the tournament on the follow- 
ing day. 

But will it be well ? ” queried Pedro. 

And how can it be evil ? ” asked the count. 

“1 will tell you. You know you are counted the best 
lance in Leon. Now if you enter the lists to-morrow, you 
may come off thevictor, and, by San Dominic, that wouldn’t 
suit these hot-blooded Moors.” 

You take it wrongly, Pedro. There are good knights 
i.n Granada, and they will not prove themselves so mean as 
to turn enemies against one who proved their better in the 
use of arms. No, no, good Pedro, don’t fear on that ac- 
count, for I assure you all will be well.” 

Well, just as you please,” returned Pedro; and he 
spoke in a dubious manner, and shortly afterward he set 
about preparing his master’s armor. 

The next morning was fair and bright. At an early hour 
the people began to flock to the spot where the tournament 
was to take place, and at ten o’clock the king entered the 


12 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE. 


enclosure and took his seat. The trumpets sounded a furi- 
ous blast, and the jousting began. For two hours the sport 
continued, and Ben Hamed, the Alcalde of Granada, stood 
the victor. He was a subtle, powerful knight, and he 
swung his spear aloft and vauntingly challenged all oppo- 
nents. Two more Moorish knights appeared against him ; 
but one after the other they were vanquished, and then 
more proudly than ever did Ben Hamed swing his spear 
aloft. 

Charles of Leon pushed his horse through the crowd that 
was collected outside of the paling, but ere he reached it 
he caught the sound of his own name pronounced near to 
his side. 

Beware ! Make not an enemy of the alcalde ! ” 

The knight turned his head and he saw Abdalla limping 
away through the crowd. He knew it was the same Abdalla 
that he had picked up by the roadside, though he looked 
somewhat different. His hair and beard were jet black 
and he looked many years younger. The voice, however, 
the count knew, and he knew the countenance too. The 
strange Moor was soon out of sight, and the count again 
pushed toward the paling. His soul was set upon a joust 
with the haughty, defying Moor, and he was not to be bent 
from his purpose. 

<^What ho, there I Here comes a Christian knight to 
give thee battle, Ben Hamed,” exclaimed the king, as 
Charles of Leon entered the lists. 

The alcalde turned his flashing eyes upon the new comer, 
and proudly drawing back he awaited the Christian’s 
approach. 

What seek ye here ? ” cried Ben Hamed. 

*'To give thee a friendly joust,” returned Charles; 
** that is, if the lists be open to me.” 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE, 


13 

Of course they are open if you be a true knight,” said 
the king. 

I am a true knight of Leon, and this day shall prove 
it, though I may go down before the lance of the alcalde ; 
yet if I bear me at all before one whose prowess has been 
so well proved, you will know me for a knight.” 

- At the first part of his speech Ben Hamed frowned, but 
at its close he looked upon the Christian with a half scorn- 
ful expression as he jauntingly balanced his lance in his 
hand. 

Go take your ground,” he said. 

Shall it be with lance and spear? ” asked Charles. 

“Yes.” 

The count rode back to the paling where Pedro was sta- 
tioned and took his shield. From one of the marshals he 
received a round-headed spear, and then the trumpet 
sounded. Charles of Leon was habited the same as we saw 
him upon the road, and his appearance attracted the atten- 
tion of all. His horse seemed eager for the onset, and he 
pranced in his instinctive pride. 

Again the herald sounded the trumpet, and Charles gave 
his steed the rein. The Moor and the Christian met. Ben 
Hamed sat like a rock in his saddle, while the count was 
jostled, but he lost not his balance. In an instant Charles 
saw and understood the alcalde’s subtle play. With a move- 
ment so quick that it was almost imperceptible, and one 
that must have required long practice for its perfection, the 
Moor had swung his spear across the eyes of his adversary’s 
horse with a circular sweep before he brought it to its final 
pose ; but the Christian determined that it should not be 
done again. 

It was with a confident air that Ben Hamed turned his 
horse for the second joust, and when the trumpet sounded 
he set boldly forward. Again the riders met, but Ben 


14 


THE QUEEN'S EE FENCE. 


Hamed passed not, for the knight of Leon’s lance-head 
struck him full in the throat and hurled him to the ground. 
There was a low murmur ran around among the spectators, 
and a careful observer would have seen that there was much 
satisfaction felt at the result of the last joust ; but the peo- 
ple dared not give boisterous speech to their feelings, for 
the alcalde was feared. 

As Ben Hamed sprang to his feet there was fierce passion 
in his features, and for a moment he was speechless. But 
soon he found his tongue, and seizing his horse’s rein he 
turned to Charles of Leon, and throwing his shield upon 
the ground, he shouted : 

“ Down with your lance and shield ! I’ll have at thee 
now with the cimeter. You shall show your prowess to bet- 
ter advantage ere I have done with thee.” 

^‘The sword is not a weapon for a joust,” returned 
Charles. ‘ ‘ It is too dangerous for sport. ’ ’ 

“ Ha, ha ! and is the Christian dog in fear ? ” 

This was spoken by the exasperated Moor in a loud, de- 
fiant, bitter tone, and sent the rich blood coursing quickly 
through the Christian’s veins. 

The Christian does not fear ! ” he returned, in a proud 
tone. 

Then draw your sword and throw away all else,” ex- 
claimed the alcalde, as he mounted his horse and drew his 
bright cimeter. 

If the king will hold me clear of the consequences I 
will meet you.” 

‘‘ Ben Hamed, you had better give over the trial and go 
back to the lance,” said the monarch. 

No, no — the sword it shall be ! ” cried the alcalde. 

Then the Christian knight shall be free from all harm, 
save such as he meets at the hands of his antagonist. Let 
the signal be given.” 


THE QUEEN'S EE FENCE, 


IS 


The trumpet sounded, and Charles of Leon drew his 
sword ; it was a keen weapon, straight and double-edged, 
with the usual cross hilt. The Moor met him, and some 
.dozen blows were exchanged without effect ; but at length 
Charles wounded his antagonist on the shoulder. Ben 
Hamed saw that he had a superior to deal with, and he de- 
termined to ride him down. To this end he drew in his 
reins, and at a word his horse reared, and would have 
struck his fore feet directly upon the Christian’s body ; but 
Charles saw the movement, and he not only avoided it, but 
he tQok advantage of it. His own horse was well trained, 
and he made the noble animal perform a leap that set the 
Moor at fault. As Ben Hamed’ s horse was reared proudly 
upon his hind legs, the horse of the Christian sprang quickly 
against his haunch, and both Moor and beast went tumbling 
on the ground. 

With a fearful oath Ben Hamed sprang to his feet, and 
placing one foot upon the prostrate body of his horse he 
struck furiously at the Christian ; but Charles of Leon soon 
ended the conflict, for with a blow that seemed like the 
lightning’s leap he struck the upraised blade of the Moor’s 
cimeter near the hilt and broke it in twain. 

The shouts of the multitude could no longer be re- 
strained, and as they broke upon the air the alcalde was ut- 
terly overcome by the rage' and mortification that had 
seized him. His horse was so much sprained that it was 
with difficulty the animal could be set upon his feet, and 
then the beast limped away from the lists. 

For fifteen minutes Charles of Leon kept the lists, and no 
one appeared against him. 

<< Shall we pronounce the Christian the victor?” at 
length said the king, as the repeated calls of the herald re- 
mained unanswered. 

‘‘The Christian cannot receive the scarf,” cried Ben 


i6 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE, 


Hamed, who had taken a place near the royal seat, where 
the doctor was dressing the wound upon his shoulder. 

The king hesitated, and he showed by his manner that 
he liked not to bestow the badge upon the Christian. 

The Christian is a true knight, and knighthood should 
know no foreign blood,” cried an old Moslem warrior, who 
sat near the king. 

The Christian is the true victor,” cried a dozen voices. 

Then he shall receive .the reward,” said the king. 
Then turning to a fair young being who sat near him, he 
added, Zehra, if you deem the Christian worthy, give 
him the badge.” 

It was a lovely girl to whom the king spoke — one who 
had just blushed into womanhood with all the roses of 
beautiful youth still clustering about her. She waved her 
hand to Charles of Leon, and he came near to her and 
knelt before her. 

Sir knight,” she said with a sweet smile, “ to you I 
award the gift that has thus fallen to my bestowal. While 
it remains in your possession, forget not the duty you owe 
to your honorable knighthood, nor her who bestowed it.” 

The scarf was of blue silk, richly wrought with threads 
of gold, and as Zehra spoke she threw it over the knight’s 
shoulders. As Charles of Leon arose to his feet he gazed 
for a moment into the features ot the fairy being. 

She smiled upon him, and she blushed while she smiled. 

. When the young Christian turned from the spot he felt in 
his heart that he could never forget the fair donor of the 
badge he had won. Her countenance had burst upon his 
sight as breaks the view of the distant spring upon the 
thirsty traveler of the desert. He did not notice the look 
of Ben Hamed, nor did he see how the king was moved. 
He saw only the bright beams of Zebra’s loveliness, and he 
forgot that life had its losses as well as its gains. 


THE QUEEN REVENGE, 


i; 

By San Dominic,” uttered- Pedro, as he rode away from 
the scene of the tournament with his master, ‘‘ you have 
made one enemy, at least.” 

How so, Pedro? ” 

■ “ The alcalde will never forgive you.” 

Then he is not a good knight.” 

“ You are blind. Sir Charles. Didn’t you ever know of 
a wicked knight in Leon ? ” 

Yes.” 

Then you may expect to find some here. San Jago ! 
but it didn’t seem very hard for the girl to decide against 
her father.” 

‘‘ Father ! What do you mean?” uttered the knight, 
with a sudden start. 

Why, didn’t you know that Zehra was the alcalde’s 
daughter ? ” 

‘‘No.” 

“ She is, then.” 

“ Are you sure of this? ” 

“ Certainly. I heard the people speaking of her before 
the combat had ended.” 

Charles of Leon rode on for some distance in silence. 
He seemed much moved by what he had heard, and disap- 
pointment was plainly written upon his brow. When he 
reached his hotel he put off his armor, and as soon as he 
was alone he set about looking over a number of papers 
that he took from his bosom, each of which bore the royal 
seal of Leon. 


2 


THE QUEEN REVENGE. 


I8 


CHAPTER III. 

THE DOOM. 

In one of the private apartments of the Alhambra sat 
Mohammed VI. Near him stood the alcalde of Granada, 
leaning against a casement of one of the windows, and en- 
gaged in rolling and unrolling a small piece of vellum he 
held in his hand. The wound upon his shoulder was not a 
bad one, and the effects of it troubled him but very little. 
Sire,” said Ben Hamed, moving nearer to the king,” 
what can have led him to our city ? ” 

“ I cannot tell,” returned the king. “ Can you? ” 

He says he came to see the country.” 

Then perhaps he did.” 

But I don’t believe it.” 

‘‘ And why not? ” queried the king. 

‘^Because the Count of Valladolid is too important a 
personage to be absent from Leon at the present time on a 
mere pleasure trip,” returned the klcalde. 

“You owe him a grudge, Ben Hamed.” 

“ So I owe a grudge to all the enemies of Granada.” 
“’Tis right you should,” said Mohammed. “And, to 
tell you the truth, I like not the presence of that Christian 
knight here ; but yet it would not be safe to molest him.” 

“ If we can prove him dangerous to our government we 
may put him out of the way,” remarked the wily alcalde. 

“ So we can ; but how shall we prove that ? ” 

“Leave it to me. If I can make out a charge against 
him you shall listen to it.” 

“I will, by Allah.” 


THE QUEEN REVENGE. 


19 


^^Then I will watch him. And let me tell you, sire, I 
like not the manner in which Zehra looks upon the young 
knight.” 

” uttered the king, half starting from his seat. 

Does your daughter look upon the Christian knight with 
favor ? ” 

So she speaks.” 

Then you had better beware for yourself, Ben Hamed ; 
for if Zehra come not to me for an unstained wife, yours 
shall be the peril. You had better look to her.” 

The alcalde had awakened a passion in the bosom of the 
king he meant not to have touched ; but he apprehended 
no danger from it. His daughter had been promised to 
the king, and he was to receive her among his wives when 
she was twenty years of age. 

will hold myself responsible for her fidelity,” said 
Ben Hamed. Charles of Leon shall know that she is 
bound to you, and then if he dares to — ” 

I see what you mean,” hastily cried the king. *^Let 
him but lisp sedition to her and he shall suffer. So much 
for the Christian.” 

Ben Hamed’s eyes sparkled with satisfaction. 

“ Hold a moment,” said Mohammed, as the alcalde 
turned toward the door. Now that I think of it, it does 
seem strange that the Count of Valladolid should have 
come to Granada unless he had important business.” 

So it seems to me,” returned Ben Hamed. 

“ Can you guess at the cause of his visit? ” asked the 
king. 

No, sire.” 

The alcalde spoke in a hesitating manner, and a troubled 
look rested on his features. He caught the keen glance of 
the monarch, and he seemed uneasy. 

Ben Hamed, you are deceiving me,” said the king. 


20 


THE QUEEN'S EE FENCE. 


By Allah, I am not.” 

Have you no suspicions as to the cause of the Christian 
knight’s visit here ? ” 

No, sire.” 

Beware, now.” 

Indeed I speak the truth.” 

‘ ‘ Then why looked you so troubled just now ? ’ ’ 

A moment the alcalde was silent ; but a happy thought 
came to his aid. 

‘ ' When I spoke I was thinking of his conquering me in 
the lists. Was not that enough to move me ? ” 

‘‘Perhaps it was,” returned Mohammed, still eyeing his 
officer with a suspicious look. 

“And I was thinking, too, of what a dangerous enemy 
he might prove were his aims turned against our interests.” 

This touched the monarch where Ben Hamed aimed. 

“Watch him! watch him!” he exclaimed. “Let 
there be but proof enough and his rank shall not save 
him.” 

“ I will watch him, sire, and you shall be advised of all 
his movements.” 

When Ben Hamed left the royal presence he was followed 
by eyes that were as keen as his own. Mohammed VI. was 
a jealous man, and his suspicions were easily aroused. 
Whether he suspected the alcalde of duplicity or not, none 
knew save himself ; but that the Christian knight had van- 
quished his own warriors was enough to awaken his ani- 
mosity, and the hints of Ben Hamed had not been without 
their effect. 

“I think,” said the monarch to himself, after he was 
alone, “that Ben Hamed knows more of this Christian 
knight than he chooses to tell. At all events. I’ll watch 
them both. Zehra is mine. Of the alcalde I want but 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE. 


21 


her, and her I will have. By Allah, but the girl is beauti- 
ful, and I think I might love her.” 

When the alcalde left the Alhambra he sought his own 
dwelling, and when he was seated in his private room he 
sent for his daughter. Zehra entered his presence with a 
meek step, and remained standing before her father. 

“ Zehra,” said Ben Hamed, ‘‘ you only want three short 
months to make up your twentieth year.” 

The fair girl shuddered, but she spoke not in reply. 

You will then be the wife of our king,” continued the 
alcalde, eyeing his daughter sharply. 

^ ‘ A wife ! ’ ’ uttered Zehra. 

‘‘Yes.” 

“I can never love Mohammed,” said the fair girl. 

“If Mohammed loves you, that is enough.” 

“ But Mohammed cannot love me as I would be loved. 
He cannot feel that high emotion of soul which constitutes 
the true love of a husband. He can only love as the 
sensualist loves. He can admire beauty while it lasts ; but 
he has no love for the being after the beauty has gone.” 

For some moments Ben Hamed looked silently upon his 
child. 

“You have promised to be the king’s,” he said, at 
length. 

“No, father. You once spoke with me about it, and 
then I told you that I had no power to oppose you.” 

“ And of course you cannot oppose me now. This talk 
about love is all nonsense. You should feel happy and 
proud to think that you are looked upon with favor by the 
king.” 

‘ ‘ And do you mean that I am really to be given to Mo- 
hammed ? ” she cried. 

“ I mean that you will be his wife.” 

“ Then you will doom me to everlasting misery.” 


22 


THE QUEEN^S REVENGE. 


No, no, my child. If you are miserable it will be you 
who will make yourself so. I mean that you shall be 
happy. I wish you to remember that you are to be the 
king’s wife.” 

‘‘Father,” said the poor girl, with a powerful effort to 
maintain her composure, “ it cannot be that you will make 
me miserable.” 

“You know what I have said. My sacred promise has 
been given to Mohammed, and I am held responsible on my 
peril.” 

“ Then would that kind Heaven might tear out my heart 
and place a stone there in its stead. O ! I had not thought 
that I was to be sacrificed to the selfish passion of Moham- 
med against my will.” 

“We have spoken enough, Zehra,” sternly said the al- 
calde. “ I would only put you on your guard, for the king 
will not brook disappointment.” 

“ On my guard against what?” asked the girl, looking 
up through her gathering tears. 

“Against doing anything to break your relationship to 
the king.” 

Zehra turned away and left her father’s presence. When 
she was alone her heart sent forth its bitter grief un- 
checked. 


CHAPTER IV. 

THE knight’s plighted FAITH. 

A WEEK had passed away since the day of the tourna- 
ment. Charles of Leon had been the observed of all ob- 
servers ; for nearly every one in Granada had recognised 
him as the knight who gained the victory in the lists. The 


THE QUEEN REVENGE. 23 

universal attention he arrested prevented him from noticing 
those who were dogging his steps as spies upon his actions ; 
but ';^such they were for the alcalde had taken care that the 
Christian knight should not escape his espionage. 

It was evening — late in the evening — and Charles of 
Leon stood by an open window and looked out upon the 
city. He had dismissed his esquire, and the latter was al- 
ready snoring in an adjoining apartment. The full moon 
rose high in the heavens, and, save a few fleecy clouds that 
hung like masses of light down here and there in the azure 
vault, all was clear and bright. The air was balmy and in- 
viting, and the young Christian resolved to walk forth and 
enjoy it. 

A light Moorish turban hung in the apartment, and this 
the knight placed upon his head. A Moorish mantle, too, 
he threw over his shoulders, for he wished to escape im- 
pertinent observation. He passed down to- the hall with a 
light tread, so that he might not awaken Pedro Bambino, 
and as he gained the street he paused for a moment to con- 
sider upon the direction he. should take. The loud mur- 
muring of the rapid Darro fell upon his ear, and he re- 
solved to seek the river. 

Several of the city guard were in the long street that led 
toward the Alhambra, but none of them intercepted the 
knight as he walked slowly along. At length he reached 
the bend of the river. The swift waters were rushing on to 
join the larger Zenil, and moving along to where a grove of 
olives threw out their green branches, Charles sat down 
upon the greensward and gazed thoughtfully upon the 
stream. 

In the midst of his reverie the young count was aroused 
by a sound near him as if a light foot had fallen upon the 
sward. He arose to his feet, but he saw nothing save the 
olives that grew about him. He would have moved back 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE. 


24 ■ 

toward the city again, but he hesitated, as he thought he 
heard the sound again. This time he was more confident, 
and ere long |he saw an object beyond the grove that seemed 
gliding toward the river. Charles took a few steps nearer 
to the edge of the copse, and he could see that it was a fe- 
male who had attracted his attention. She was moving 
slowly along, and occasionally she would stop and gaze 
about her. She was dressed in a white robe, and the light 
of the moon enabled Charles to see her form distinctly. 
Ere long she gained the bank of the river, and, after look- 
ing about her a moment, she sank down upon her knees and 
clasped her hands towards heaven. 

Charles of Leon moved nearer to the spot. Stealthily he 
glided on, and, he heard the words that fell from her lips. 
It was a prayer she uttered, in half-broken sentences, and 
though a sort of calmness pervaded her speech, yet the 
breath of anguish was plainly distinguishable. 

‘‘ Great Allah protect me, and forgive me for this, the 
last act of my life ! ” uttered the female, and then she let her 
hands fall upon her bosom as she moved ^nearer to the 
river. 

Charles of Leon let a suppressed cry, and sprang quickly 
forward. He seized the unfortunate being as she was about 
to leap into the rapid stream, and drew her back from the 
river’s bank. A quick cry escaped her lips as she felt the 
hand upon her arm, and instinctively she turned to see who 
it was that held her. The bright rays of the moon fell 
full upon her face, and the Christian knight stared with 
a strange emotion of astonishment, as he beheld the beau- 
tiful features of Zehra ! 

** Great God 1 ” he ejaculated, still gazing on the face 
that was turned toward him, “ do my eyes deceive me, or 
is this the daughter of Ben Hamed ? ” 

Let me go, sir,” murmured the girl as she feebly en- 


THE QUEEN^S REVENGE, 25 

deavored to remove the strong hand that was laid upon 
her. 

But tell me if I am not right. Is not this Zehra ? " 

Alas ! it is, sir. O, let me go ! ” 

* * Hold a moment, ’ ’ said Charles. ‘ ‘ Do you recognize 
me?” 

Yes; you are the noble Christian knight on whom I 
bestowed the badge of honor.” 

^*And is it possible I have saved you from a fearful 
death?” 

Death ! ” murmured Zehra, looking mournfully up into 
the knight’s face. “ No, no — it was life I sought. 

Charles of Leon was struck by the strange manner of the 
fair girl, and if he had thought that her mind might be 
wandering, he was convinced to the contrary while he 
gazed into her face. All was strangely calm there, and a 
mournful determination was seated upon her thin, pale 
lips. 

Will you trust me with the secret of this ? ” asked the 
knight, as he gently drew the poor girl farther from the 
river. ‘ I pledge you my knightly word that I will not be- 
tray you.” 

And will you let me seek my rest when I have told 
you ? ’ ’ 

will try that you have rest,” returned the knight. 

Now tell me why you should seek the fearful death you 
have courted.” 

Death to the faithful is but the passage from earth to 
heaven. ’Tis but to leave the dark shades of sorrow be- 
hind us, and bound to the rest of that realm where Allah 
cannot forsake those who love him. I would have died, 
because earth is all misery to me now. I cannot live, when 
to live is to be unhappy.” 

<< Can one so beautiful as you be unhappy,” said the 


26 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE, 


knight, instinctively drawing Zebra nearer to him, and gaz- 
ing more intently upon her features. 

Beautiful ! ” repeated the girl. Alas ! sir, it is be- 
cause I am thought beautiful that I must suffer. Were my 
face made up of wrinkles and fearful blotches — were my 
form ill-shapen, and my health, even, gone from me, I 
might be happy.” 

You have not told me yet of the sorrow from which 
you seek escape.” 

‘^Then listen, sir. • My father has given me to the king, 
and I am to be one among his wives ! ” 

“To Mohammed!” muttered Charles. “To be a 
bauble in the harem of that sensual profligate ? Impos- 
sible 1 ” 

“ I have spoken the truth, sir knight, and I have trusted 
to your honor.” 

“ And you have trusted to a honor that is not tarnished,” 
quickly returned the knight, with tender enthusiasm. Then 
in a lower tone he added, “ you cannot love such a man as 
he.” 

“Love him ! ” cried Zebra. “ I can only loathe him. 
Ah ! death were indeed preferable.” 

“Your father must be indeed cruel. You have given 
your heart to another.” 

Charles spoke this almost at random, as he looked into 
Zebra’s face. She was silent for a moment ; but soon she 
replied : 

“ You mistake me, sir. ’Tis no selfish motive that moves 
me. I would only save myself from the misery of the life 
my father has doomed me to suffer ; I have no other ob- 
ject ; my heart looks not beyond that escape. Now let me 
go, sir.” 

“ And if I release you now, will you seek that death from 
which I have just withdrawn you ? ” 


THE QUEEN REVENGE. 


27 


Zehra bowed her head and gazed long upon the greens- 
ward at her feet. She trembled with emotion, and Charles 
saw tears glisten in the moonbeams as they fell from her 
cheeks. 

“ If you leave me now, will you still seek the grave of the 
Darro ? ’ ’ repeated the knight. 

“ O, sir, I cannot live to be the thing they would make 
me. I cannot liye to feel the affections of my heart wither- 
ing in their bloom, and sinking away into the cold grave of 
misery. I cannot live to know my love must freeze in the 
earliest flood. I will die.” 

It was some moments ere the Christian knight dared make 
reply to this. Those were days when the knights held it a 
sacred duty — a duty of knightly honor — to protect females 
from the hand of suffering ; but this was not taken upon 
themselves merely as a thing of duty. The heart had much 
to do with it. Charles of Leon had entered Granada with a 
whole heart in his bosom ; but since the moment when the 
Moorish maiden had smiled upon him in his moment of 
proud victory he had given her a place in his heart. As he 
gazed upon her now, he knew that the whole of his heart 
was hers. There was no thought of expediency in his 
bosom — no thought of causes and consequences — but he ac- 
knowledged to himself the whole truth. Those tears that 
fell from the dark lashes of the beautiful girl, spoke a lan- 
guage to his soul more strong than words, and the keenest 
of her sufferings strongly appealed to his every sense of 
humanity and knightly honor. 

Fair maiden,” he said, at length — and he took her un- 
resisting hand as he spoke — ^Uhis is a strange time and 
place for us to meet, and the circumstances of the moment 
are more strange still. You must not die — you shall not. 
’Tis a fearful thought to dwell upon self-murder ! ” 


28 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE, 


Zebra started at the words and the tone in which they 
were uttered, and she gazed up into the speaker’s face. 

Alas ! and is it not a fearful thought to dwell upon a 
life such that to which I am doomed? " she murmured. 

“But are there not those who can save you from such 
a fate?” 

“ No. Who shall dare to thwart the king ? ” 

“A bold, true-hearted knight shall do it. Were Mo- 
hammed a thousand times a king, I would d_are snatch you 
from his grasp.” 

“ ^ ” uttered Zebra, starting with a sudden thrill of 

deep emotion. 

“ Yes, fair maiden. If you will trust to me, I swear by 
the cross of the Savior, that while I live you shall not be 
the king’s.” 

Zebra bowed her head, . and Charles of Leon felt her 
hand tremble violently. 

“Speak to me. Will you accept my pledge?” he 
asked. 

‘ ‘ I ought not, from a Christian knight. ” 

“ But you, too, shall be a Christian. You shall bask 
under the sunlight of that religion that makes women 
sacred — that religion that recognizes the love of the human 
heart as one of its own brightest attributes. Many of the 
Moors are Christians.” 

“ I know it,” returned Zehra, with her eyes still bent to 
the ground. “ Once I had a nurse who was a Christian, 
and she taught me your religion.” 

“ And did you not lovedt ? Did your soul not go forth 
in worship toward that Savior who died for a sinful world 
— that blessed Savior whose every thought was love, and 
whose heart knew, no ambition but to make those happy and 
good about him? Zehra, could you not be a Chris- 
tian ? ’ 


THE QUEEN REVENGE, 


29 


“ I have often thought so.” 

And may it not be mine to teach you ? Tell me — will 
you accept my pledge ? ’ ’ 

The fair maiden turned her gaze upon the face of the 
man who spoke to her, and the deep sorrow had given 
place to a look of calmer, holier feeling. 

cannot reject your kind offer,” she said. 

And you will trust fully ? ” 

“Yes.” 

“ Zehra, if your happiness cannot be secured in Granada, 
what then ? ” 

The maiden pointed to the waters of the Darro 

“ Know you not that there are other places besides 
Granada, and besides the Darro ? ” 

“ None for me.” 

“Yes, there are. Surely you would not hesitate to flee 
this country, if misery alone awaited you here? ” 

“No.” 

“You would not hesitate to leave even the roof of your 
father ? ” 

The maiden started, and withdrew her hand from the 
hold where it had be^n resting. Though she seemed on 
the point of speaking, yet she remained silent. 

“ Did my speech offend you? ” asked the knight. 

“No, no, sir. I only thought how meagre are the ties 
that bind me to Ben Hamed.” 

“ But he is your father.” 

“ You said I might trust you.” 

“ Most implicitly,” returned Charles. 

“Then,” said Zehra, in a low tone, “I have reason to 
believe he is not my father ; but he dreams not that I hold 
the suspicion. You would hold me indeed heartless could 
I willingly fly from the parent that gave me being.” 

“ Not if he were cruel.” 


30 


THE QUEEN REVENGE, 


Cruelty, even, may not separate the heart of child and 
parent. But I feel that Ben Hamed is not my parent. My 
old nurse told me he was not, and I have reasons to believe 
her words were true. ’ ’ 

‘‘You may be missed,” said Charles. “Let us re- 
turn.” 

The fair girl placed her hand freely in that of the knight, 
and together they turned back toward the city. Charles of 
Leon would have questioned her more concerning her par- 
entage, but he had too much delicacy. He felt a strange 
interest in the being who had thus been thrown in his way, 
and with that impulse which seldom springs up in a heart 
but once in a life time — he had resolved he would love her 
with his whole love and faith. 

Some might say the Christian knight was blind., Per- 
haps he was, as the world of selfishness goes ; but where 
generous love and kindness of heart can see, there he 
walked. His was a soul that curbed not those impulses that 
led him toward the boon of joy ; for he had no impulses 
that were not born in honor. 

“Here, kind sir, I will turn off,” said Zehra, as they 
reached a point where a group of poplars and orange trees 
reached back to a line of buildings near the banks of the 
Zenil. 

“I will accompany you to the dwelling of Ben Hamed.” 

“ No, no. You might be seen.” 

“ As you will, lady — but ere we part, I would say one 
word more. When does your father mean to give you to 
the king?” 

“In three short months.” 

“Then will you accept my knightly faith for your pro- 
tection ! If you will I shall feel authority to serve you.” 

“ I do accept it, sir,” returned Zehra. 

“ Then go your way, and God be with you.” 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE, 


31 


As Charles of Leon spoke he pressed the hand he held to 
his lips, and in a moment more Zehra glided from his sight 
among the orange trees. 


CHAPTER V. 

A STRANGE VISITOR. 

‘‘ Hold, Moor ! Tell me where is my master. ” 

Take care how you handle your sword, good Pedro. 
You might hurt somebody.” 

San Jago, bless me. May I be roasted alive on St. 
Lawrence’s gridiron, if I didn’t fear that you were gone.” 

^*Not quite,” said Charles, with a laugh, as he entered 
the room and threw off his Moorish cap and mantle. 

But bless me, sir Charles, it’s long after midnight. 
Where have you been ?” uttered the honest squire, as he 
stood in his night-clothes. I got up only a few minutes 
ago, and something put it into my head to come and see if 
you were safe. I saw your cap and cloak here, and I feared 
some of the Moors had carried you off.” 

^ ‘ No, no, Pedro ; I have only been enjoying a short 
walk by moonlight. I wouldn’t disturb you, for I knew 
that you were fatigued, and that you love your sleep.” 

I don’t love my sleep so well but that I can attend my 
master ; and if he knows when he’s safe he won’t walk 
much alone after dark.” 

Is there danger? ” asked the knight, in a light merry 
tone. 

More than you wot of, perhaps,” returned Pedro, with 
much earnestness. Let me tell you that the alcalde won’t 
forgive you for having beat him in the lists. And there’s 
more, too/’ 


32 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE. 


‘‘Ah,” uttered the knight, becoming more serious as he 
saw the earnestness of his follower. 

“ Yes. I believe you are narrowly watched.” 

“ By whom? ” 

“ By emissaries of the alcalde.” 

“ Pooh ! ” 

‘ ‘ By San Dominic, sir Charles, I believe I tell you the 
truth.” 

‘ ‘ And for what should they watch me ? ” 

“ Perhaps they suspect we are here for no good pur- 
pose.” 

“ Then let them suspect, and let them watch, too. They 
will see nothing to help them. My commission can be per- 
formed without much show.” 

“ I think it will prove the blind man’s mission, after all,” 
said Pedro. 

Charles looked into his esquire’s face for a moment, and 
then he placed his hand upon his brow. 

“ Pedro,” he said, at length, “ I hope I shall succeed. 
For the sake of Leon and Castile, I hope so.” 

“And for your sake, too, my master.” 

Again Charles of Leon placed his hand upon his brow, 
and for some moments he dwelt in his own thoughts. Pe- 
dro watched him narrowly, and he was not a little puzzled 
at his master’s manner. 

“ Go seek your rest again, Pedro,” said the knight, as 
he turned toward his dressing-table. 

The faithful esquire obeyed without remark \ but when 
he reached the door, he turned and looked back upon his 
master. There was a look of anxiety in his countenance, 
and his lips moved with his thoughts as he passed out. 

After Pedro had gone, the count sat down to his dressing- 
case, and drawing forth from his bosom a roll of parch- 
ment, he opened it, and began to look over its contents by 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE, 


33 


the light of the lamp his servant had left. He read it half 
through, and then letting go of its corners he allowed it to 
roll up on its own accord, while he braced back in his 
chair and gazed vacantly into the space before him. 

“ I believe Pedro tells me the truth,” he said to himself. 

^ ‘ The alcalde is surely my enemy, and I may yet make him 
doubly so. Yet there can be no danger, for they will not 
dare to touch me without strong provocation. 1 will per- 
form my mission if possible, and when I return to 
Leon ” 

The young Christian hesitated in his speech, and arose 
from his seat. His thoughts were upon Zehra, and he 
dared not give them utterance. He took up the parchment, 
and as he gazed upon it his features trembled. 

To both these deeds my knightly word is pledged,” he 
said, as he placed the roll once more in his bosom. “ Yet 
they need not clash — they cannot. Zehra — beautiful, lovely 
girl — with you I will keep my faith. Let the danger come 
—and it may come from Leon as well as here — but I can 
face it for you.” 

It was but a few moments after Charles had put the 
parchment in his bosom, and just as he was thinking of 
seeking his couch, that he heard a sound outside of one 
of his windows. There \fas a broad veranda ran around 
the building on a level with the floor upon which was 
the knight’s apartment, and Charles thought it might be 
some one merely passing the window. In a moment there 
was a dark shadow thrown across the floor, where the 
moonbeams lay, and upon turning he saw the figure of a 
man outside of the window. He started back to the ta- 
ble where he had laid his sword, and as he grasped its hilt 
the window was thrown open, and the stranger stepped 
quickly into the apartment. 

3 


34 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE, 


^^Put up your weapon, Charles of Leon,” said the new 
comer. I am far from meaning you harm.” 

<‘You choose a strange time for a visit, at all events,” 
said the knight, holding his sword in his hand. ^‘And 
there is a door to my room, too.” 

Never mind the time, nor the mode of my entrance, 
sir knight. Do you not recognize me? ” 

Abdalla?” uttered Charles, as he now recognized in 
his visitor the lame man whom he had picked up from the 
roadside, and whom he had seen once since at the tourna- 
ment. 

Yes,” returned the Moor. told you when I first 
saw you that we might never meet again, but you see that 
we have met notwithstanding.” 

Charles gazed upon his visitor with no little degree of 
curiosity and wonder, and instinctively he left his sword 
settle back into its scabbard. 

There is a seat at your disposal,” said the knight, 
and if it would please you I would hear your business.” 

My business is but little, sir Charles, and before I speak 
of it I must assure you that I come as no spy upon you. 
What passes between us is sacred with us. I know that you 
have come to Granada with some sort of a mission from 
King John of Leon and Castile. You need not start. Now 
dare you tell me what that mission is ! ” 

“ I dare tell you, but I shall not.” 

The Moor smiled. 

You own that vou have a mission, then?” 

“I have not owned it, nor have I contradicted you.” 
*^Very well — let it pass. I think not that you would 
have traveled so far without an object.” 

Charles eyed his visitor uneasily. There was some- 
thing in the Moor’s look that half awed and half puzzled 
him. On the present occasion Abdalla looked the same 


35 


THE QUEEN^S REVENGE. 

as he did on the morning when the Christian had met 
him on the road ; but yet Charles could see that he was 
deeply disguised. There was a look of more than com- 
mon intelligence in his countenance, and his eyes them- 
selves spoke a volume of character. One thing, more 
than all else, however, moved Charles with a sort of dis- 
trust. The Moor seemed uneasy and anxious. His 
glances were quick and varying, and the least movement 
of the vines that grew up about the windows caused him 
To start wdth half-developed fear. 

Charles of Leon,” continued the Moor, after a mo- 
ment’s silence, “I am going to ask you an important ques- 
tion. I, too, am a knight, and upon my knightly honor I 
swear that your answer, whatever it may be, shall not pass 
from my lips. I have reason to believe you are here on se- 
cret business. Now will your king pursue this thing with a 
sword, if necessary?” 

“Upon my faith, sir, you ask me a curious question,” 
returned the Christian. 

“ And I have a curious reason for asking it,” said the 
Moor. 

“You display but little wit, at all events. You know 
me — know my rank, station, and title, and profess even to 
know my very business; while I know nothing, at all of you 
— not even your name, for that matter.” 

As the Christian knight ceased speaking he was struck 
by the change that came over the Moor’s countenance. 
His eyes sparkled with a fierce lustre, his lips were com- 
pressed tightly over his pearly teeth, and his brow grew 
dark. 

“Rank! station! name!” he uttered, in thrilling ac- 
cents. “Charles of Leon, I have none! I have only 
my honor left to me, and that I will keep. I have reason 


36 


7'HE QUEENS'S REVENGE. 


for asking the question. Will King John send an army if 
you should fail ? 

‘‘You ask me that which I cannot answer,” returned 
Charles, gazing with growing interest upon his strange vis- 
itor. 

“ If you know, I implore you to tell me,” urged Ab- 
dalla. 

“Look ye. Moor,” said the Christian; “you seem to 
know not what you are asking of me. Here am I, a 
stranger in your city, perhaps with spies already upon my 
movements, looked upon with distrust by your alcalde, and 
known to be an adherent to the government which has 
heretofore been hostile to the Moslem. Now, with what 
reason can you ask me such a question and expect that I 
should answer it? ” 

The Moor looked troubled. 

“I confess,” he returned, “that my question may seem 
out of place ; but your thoughts could be no more safe in 
your own bosom than they might be in mine.” 

‘ ‘ That is not the way I generally regard important se- 
crets. But I will tell you the truth. King John will not 
send an armed force to Granada. He has as much as he 
can do to look out for his troubles at home. You should 
know that the holy brotherhood of Leon are giving him 
trouble enough. Whatever may be my business here, I 
have nothing to do with your government nor its affairs, 
nor will my king do it either.” 

“Then I have nothing more to ask of you,” said the 
Moor, while a disappointed look settled upon his features. 

“ But I have a question to ask of you,” said Charles. 
“You say you - know the business that has brought me 
here. I should like to know how you obtained your in- 
formation ? ” 


THE QUEEN REVENGE 37 

By my simple knowledge of facts that are in exist- 
ence.” 

Ah,” uttered the Christian, with a slight start, a look 
of anxious interest manifesting itself on his features the 
while. Could you then give me information? Know 
you what I seek? ” 

‘‘I think I do.” 

What?” 

I cannot tell you that until you confirm me in my be- 
lief of what you seek.” 

Charles of Leon felt almost sure that the Moor was but 
acting the spy upon him. To be sure the Moslem’s coun- 
tenance gave denial to such a supposition, but yet the count 
would not trust him.” 

“ I don’t think I shall need your assistance,” he said, 
after a few moments of thought. 

‘‘I may have no assistance to render you. In fact I 
have none tp offer,” returned Abdalla, as he gathered his 
mantle about him and arose from his seat. I sought you 
because I had a faint hppe that.John of Leon and Castile 
would have had the daring to have pushed his mission 
with the sword, or at least to have threatened that thing.” 

‘‘And I assure you he has no such intention.” 

“ I believe you.” 

“ Sir Moor, methinks you can have no very great love 
for Granada.” 

“Love for Granada!” repeated Abdalla. “Ah, Sir 
knight, you cannot read my soul as you can your own. 
But I must leave you now. You will excuse me if I go 
the same way I came. We may meet again. If we do it 
will - be a stranger naeeting than this. Beware of the al- 
calde 1 ” 

As the Moor spoke he threw back the door-like sash of 


38 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE. 


the window and stepped out upon the veranda, and in a 
moment he was gone. 

Charles of Leon pondered long upon the strange meet- 
ing. He had no fear of the Moslem, for he had taken care 
not to commit himself ;; but he could not help thinking 
that in some way Abdalla was acting the spy. He doubted 
if the Moor knew as much as he professed. 

He only said that to try me,” said the young knight 
to himself, as he began to prepare for his couch. The 
Moor can know nothing of the business that has brought 
me here. How should he ? By my faith, I am not to be 
thrown off my guard in that way.” 

Ere long Charles laid himself down upon his couch, 
and that night his dreams were many and varied ; and 
when Pedro came to awaken him in the morning it seemed 
as though he had not slept at all. 


CHAPTER VI. 

r, 

THE REJECTED WIFE. 

In one of the most luxurious apartments of the Alham- 
bra sat Mohammed. Near him, upon a soft Persian lounge, 
sat a female whose costume showed her to be one of the 
wives of the Granadan monarch. She was still a young 
woman, though the bloom of her life had passed prema- 
turely away. There was beauty too upon her countenance 
—such beauty as the. true husband should delight to honor 
—a beauty that had shed all its early bloom upon Moham- 
med’s path, and now that it had turjied upon its fading 
point it should have been loved more than ever. It should 
have called forth that holy love of the soul which unites 
gratitude with reverence. That woman was Emina, the 


THE QUEEN'S EE FENCE. 


39 


mother of Mohammed’s only son. She had been weeping. 

“ Do you speak the truth ? ” she asked, with an evident 
attempt to suppress the feelings that were rising in her 
bosom. 

“Most assuredly I do, Emina,” returned the king. 

“ And do you mean to make Zehra your wife ?” 

“Yes.” 

“Mohammed, this is cruel; it is unjust. Have I not 
been faithful ? ” 

“ I have no fault to find on that score.” 

“ And have I not loved ever you? ” 

“You have ever professed to.” 

“ And you know I have ; and now you would cast me 
away and put another in my place.” 

“It is my pleasure, Emina.” 

“Your pleasure? And have I grown so old and ugly 
that you can love me no longer ? ” 

“Your beauty is fast departing.” 

“ O, misery ! ” ■ 

“ Don’t take it so hard, Emina. I mean you no wrong. 
You shall have^he same place in my palace as ever.” 

“The same place in your palace!” bitterly cried the 
woman. “ Do you think I am a dog that can be satisfied 
with a gilded kennel ? No, Mohammed, I want your love 
— I want that place in your heart that belongs to me. 
You shall not take the alcalde’s daughter to your bosom.” 

“In truth, Emina, I shall exercise my own taste about 
that. I want none of your advice.” 

“ Listen to me, Mohammed,” cried Emina, starting up 
from her chair. “You know not what a woman can be if 
you think to trifle with me thus. I have borne everything 
for your sake ; for years have I been tr;ie as heaven itself to 
you, and now I am to be thrown aside as useless rubbish ; 
and w:hat is worse than all another is to take my place. An^ 


40 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE. 


other / O, Mohammed, do you realize the sting that 
pierces my soul at such a thought ? and do you know the 
spirit you may call up ? ” 

Peace, woman ! ” uttered the king, slightly shrinking 
from the woman that had so long been his favorite wife, 
and whom he even now stood in some dread of should her 
anger be aroused. 

‘ ‘ I cannot hold my peace until you have told me that 
Zehra shall not be your wife.” 

She will be my wife.” 

You have decided then.” 

* ‘ Most irrevocably. ’ ’ 

“Then, Mohammed, take you own course.” Emina 
spoke in a tone of strange calmness, and save the intense 
fire that burned in her large, dark eyes, she showed little of 
passion. “Take your own course,” she said, “and let 
me be cast from you ; but as I have loved, so can I hate. 
The love that burns in my bosom knows no gradual cool- 
ing. If its lamp goes out it will freeze like the heaven- 
reaching crown of Nevada, and you will be to me but as the 
being who robbed me of life.” 

“Beware, Emina; beware that you use no threats to 
me.” 

“ And what if I do threaten? ” 

“ The executioner’s cimeter is sharp.” 

Emilia’s countenance grew more pale and her eyes 
flashed more brilliantly. 

“I have not threatened you,” she whispered, while she 
pressed her hand upon' her bosom as if to still the tumult 
of her heart. “You know me well enough to know that I 
can be as proud as you ; but if you think another wife can 
live here you know^^me not as I am. Give me back your 
heart and let me know that I am your wife as I have been, 
and I will be all to you that you can wish.” 


THE QUEEN REVENGE, 4 I 

You know my decision,” returned the king, in a stern 
tone. “ Now leave me.” 

Emina turned away and Mohammed saw not the look 
that rested upon her countenance. If he had seen it he 
would have trembled at its darkness. The veins about her 
pale temples were swollen, the eyes were set with fearful 
brilliancy that had no sparkling in its intensity, and the 
fingers of her right hand seemed pressed through the 
quivering flesh of her bosom. No breath seemed to move 
her — no impulse was apparent ; but she looked as though 
her whole being was one vast thought that slumbered upon 
the verge of action. As she passed out from the apartment 
Mohammed sprang to his feet. 

^‘By Allah,” he explained, ‘^she takes it more seri- 
ously than I had thought ; but she will forget it in time. 
SHe should not have grown old if she would have kept my 
love. Pooh ! She’ll rest easy enough if 1 am but kind to 
her, and I mean not to be unkind. I have loved her, and 
I think she loves me even now ; but Zehra is young and 
beautiful.” 

The last thought seemed to give Mohammed a pleasing 
turn of mind ; but a shadow soon settled over his counten- 
ance. Though he had longed to put away his long favorite 
wife, yet he feared her. He feared that she might be more 
dangerous than he had at first imagined, for he knew that 
she was proud of spirit, warm and impulsive in her temper- 
ament, and that she possessed a will as strong as was his 
own. But yet the Moslem king was not to be turned from 
his purpose. He had seen the beautiful Zehra, and he had 
resolved to possess her. To this end had he made Ben 
Hamed alcalde of Granada, and to this end did he keep 
Ben Hamed in his office. 

When Emina left the king’s presence she went to her own 
apartment, and having sunk down upon her couch, she 


42 


THE QUEEN^S REVENGE. 


bursts into tears. It was a long time that she wept, for the 
fountains of her heart were loosened. She h^td loved Mo- 
hammed with her whole soul. He was the father of her 
child, and to him her young heart’s affections had been 
given. It was no selfish love she had felt, but her feelings 
toward her royal husband had been of that warm, generous, 
noble character that all centre in the object loved. Mo- 
hammed had taught her to be proud too, and now, in the 
moment of her love’s crushing, that pride gradually arose 
above the ruins and its torch was fearfully brilliant. The 
tears ceased to flow and one after another they dried from 
her pale cheeks. 

When she arose from her couch the only traces of weep- 
ing were in the swollen marks about the eyes. She looked 
still pale, but yet there was a hectic flush upon either cheek, 
and that pallor bore nothing of melancholy in its character. 
The lips moved not with the thought that was busy in her 
brain, but they seemed rather compressed to keep that 
thought from escaping. She examined her features in the 
polished mirror that hung in her apartment, and when she 
turned away she touched the bell-cord that was suspended 
near her. 

A servant soon entered and Emina ordered her to bring 
her a hood and mantle and prepare to accompany her. 
While her attendant was gone, the woman went to her 
dressing-case and from one of the drawers she took a small 
dagger. She examined its bright, keen point, and then 
placed it carefully in her bosom. In a moment more the 
attendant re-entered and proceeded to help her mistress 
dress. 

There, Mada — now follow me,” said Emina, as she 
turned to leave the apartment. '' Remember that you speak 
not of this to any one, for I go in secret.” 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE. 43 

The maid bowed a silent assent and followed her mistress 
as directed. 

Emina took a private passage, and having passed to the 
basement of the palace, she made her egress through a 
small door that opened upon the hill in the rear. The thick 
foliage shielded her from observation, and with quick steps 
she made her way down to the rapid Darro at a point where 
a narrow foot-bridge was thrown across the stream. Having 
crossed 4his, she bent her steps toward the dwelling of Ben 
Hamed. She walked with a firm step, but quicker than 
usual, and there was more of masculine power in her step 
than Mada had ever before seen in her mistress. 

The distance from the river to the dwelling of the alcalde 
was not great, and when Emina reached the garden she en- 
tered the gateway and approached the building by the way 
that led to the women’s apartments. One of the female at- 
tendants obeyed her summons. The presence of the king’s 
favorite wife was a powerful talisman, and without hesita- 
tion her demand to be shown to the apartment of Zehra was 
complied with, Mada in the meantime being ordered to re- 
main behindr 

Zehra was startled by the appearance of Emina, but she 
paid her due reverence and humbly asked her pleasure. The 
visitor calmly dismissed the attendant and then turning to 
Zehra she asked : 

Are we alone? ” 

<< Yes,” returned the girl, as she gazed wonderingly into 
the pale features of her visitor. 

Do I look well ? ” Emina continued as she took a seat. 

Not very well, lady.” 

But you do look exceeding well. And you look beau- 
tiful, too.” 

Zehra tried to smile, but it was beyond her power. She 
was startled by Emina’s strange manner. 


44 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE, 


was once beautiful/’ continued Mohammed’s wife — 

almost as beautiful as you.” 

You are beautiful still,” said Zehra. 

But not beautiful enough. Beauty should never fade.” 

All things earthly must fade.” 

Are you not a happy creature? ” Emina asked. 

Zehra only gazed upon her interlocutor in silence. 

‘‘You should be happy, for life opens a kind future to 
you,” continued -Emina. “ When you are — are — Moham- 
med’s wife, you will be happy.” 

“ Oh ! for kind Heaven’s sake, torture me notwith-^ — ” 

“Go on — go on,” uttered the queen, drawing a quick 
breath. 

“ I can trust you — ^^you will be kind — you will not betray 
me. ’ ’ 

No — go on.” 

Emina spoke with energy, and she leaned forward to catch 
the words that might fall from the fair girl’s lips. 

“ I trust my own sex will not turn against me,” mur- 
mured Zehra. 

“ How? why? ” quickly asked the queen, while her hand 
slowly moved toward her bosom. 

“ I cannot be Mohammed’s wife. O, I cannot.” 

“ Cannot ? But the king loves you.” 

“ No, no — he cannot love me. Only my beauty pleases 
him.” 

“ Suppose he did love you ? ” 

“ Even then I could not be his. O, noble lady, you, who 
have a woman’s heart, should know the secrets of the fe- 
male soul. You should know what misery must be in that 
lifetime that presents nothing upon which the heart can 
fasten in love,” 

Zehra hesitated, and then with a sudden movement she 
cast herself at the feet of the queen. 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE, 


45 


Oh ! perhaps you can save me. Perhaps you can per- 
suade the king to let me be happy. Will you not ? ” 

‘‘I have little power over Mohammed. I think you 
might be happy in his company. He will be lavish of kind 
acts when once you are his youngest wife.” 

Ah, noble lady, you can know little of kindness if you 
think as you speak. Could you be shut up for life in some 
dark, loathsome dungeon, where the light of day was for- 
ever excluded — where noisome vapors and pestilential mala- 
ria clung about you — and there treat as kindness any act of 
him who thus confined you ? ” 

The expression upon the queen’s countenance was grad- 
ually changing. Still she looked upon the beautiful girl 
with a burning eye. 

Mohammed will make you his wife,” she said. 

*^No, no — he cannot.” 

Ah, but he has power.” 

Not to do that,” returned Zehra, rising to her feet and 
throwing back the dark silken tresses that had fallen about 
her face. 

Yes, he has,” whispered Emina. 

^^Hark,” uttered Zehra. “Hear you that murmuring 
noise ? ” 

“ Yes.” 

“It is the dark, swift Darro. If Mohammed takes me 
for his wife he will take me cold and lifeless from its rush- 
ing flood. Allah gives me so much of hope.” 


For a long while the queen gazed into the face of the 
girl before her. The stern coldness was all gone from her 
features, and her lips trembled with emotion. 

“ Zehra,” she said, as she drew the trembling fair one to 
her bosom, “I know that you speak the truth, and I am 
almost happy, for I am saved a deed I trembled to commit. 
Tremble not, for you need fear no longer. Had I found 


46 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE. 


you loving toward Mohammed you should not have lived to 
receive his embrace ; but now you need not even fear him. 
I have loved the king most truly, and I swear by the 
Prophet most high that none other shall take my place of 
wife while I breathe the breath of life ! ” 

As the queen spoke, she turned from Zehra and buried 
her face in her hands. 

“ Do not let this affect you so,” kindly urged the young 
girl, laying her hand upon Emina’s shoulder and gazing up 
into her face. 

You are not a wife, Zehra,” returned the queen, as she 
brushed a tear from her cheek. You have not felt the 
crushing of your heart’s whole love, and experienced the 
dark night that succeeds the setting of the sun of life. I 
have felt all this.” 

“ Heaven rest you.” 

Heaven may rest another first ! ” 

Emina spoke this in a strange tone, and without waiting 
to observe its effect upon Zehra, she turned toward the door 
of the apartment. Silently she passed out from the room, 
and at the garden door she met Mada. As she glided 
away through the shrubbery she fervently murmured : 
“Thank Allah, I return wtth a bloodless dagger.” 

Mada heard her not, for the words were but breathed 
into being. 


CHAPTER VII. 

THE lover’s conference. 

Charles of Leon had seen enouglr to convince him that 
he was watched by the spies of the alcalde of Granada ; 
but why this should be he could not imagine, unless some 
false idea was entertained of his visit to Southern Spain, 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE. 


A7 


To be sure he had other business than to travel, but then he 
felt confident that no one save himself and the servant 
could know of it. He did not believe that Abdalla knew 
as much as he professed, or even that he mistrusted the 
truth. More likely was it that the mysterious man only 
threw out his vague assertions for the purpose of penetrat- 
ing the Christian’s secret. Why, then, should the alcalde 
persecute him? It might be from motives of chagrin 
caused by the defeat at the tournament ; but even this sur- 
mise did not wholly satisfy him. 

The day was drawing to a close — it was the day succeed- 
ing that on which the events recorded in the last chapter 
took place. Charles of Leon was in the room at the hotel 
he had chosen, and Pedro was engaged in polishing some 
portions of his master’s armor. 

‘ ‘ Have you gained any clue yet to the end of our busi- 
ness?” asked the esquire. 

^^No.” 

Nor will you, I’m thinking. Let us get out of this 
place.” 

‘‘Not yet, Pedro. Ere long I may.” 

“ But what shall keep us ? ” 

“ I may find what I seek.” 

“ In. Granada? ” 

“Perhaps so.” 

Pedro looked curiously up into his master’s face, for the 
manner of speech struck him as being peculiar. 

“ You shall accompany me to-night,” continued Charles, 
“ so have our weapons ready. We may need them.” 

“Look at this. Sir Charles,” said Pedro, stopping his 
work, and gazing earnestly into his master’s face. “I 
don’t wish to be impertinent, nor will I be — but I should 
like to know if this business to-night had anything to do 
with what we are after ? ” 


48 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE, 


And suppose it does not ? ” 

Then it had better be dropped.” 

Ah, you are getting sage, Pedro.” 

< ‘ No — I am always wise. You think of going to Ben 
Hamed’s dwelling to-night.” 

‘‘Ha!” 

“Yes. You talk in your sleep? ” 

The young knight blushed, for he saw that Pedro had an 
inkling of the truth. 

“Well, well,” he said, at length, “I am going to Ben 
Hamed’s, and I wish you to go with me.” 

“ If you persist, I cannot disobey. But you are running 
your neck into a dangerous place, for I hear that Zebra is 
to become the king’s wife.” 

“And do you think that fair young creature shall be 
sacrificed to the lust of Mohammed ? ” 

“ If she don’t like it, it does seem hard.” 

“Like it!” uttered Charles. “I’ll tell you how she 
likes it.” And thereupon he told to his esquire all that 
had transpired upon the banks of the Darro. 

“ Then by San Dominic,” cried Pedro, as he leaped to 
his feet, “I’ll join you with my whole heart.” 

“ I knew your heart was in the right place,” said Charles, 
with a grateful look. 

“ So it is, my master.” 

‘ ‘ Now you must perform a mission for me ere we set 
out together. I have procured the dress of a Moorish 
physician, and I wish that you should put it on, and after 
nightfall go to Ben Hamed’s dwelling and see if you can 
discover which is the room Zehra occupies. Think you 
can do it? ” 

“I can but try.” 

“I thank you, Pedro.” 

“But hold a moment, my master,” said the esquire, as a 


THE QUEEN'S EE FENCE. 


49 

sudden shade of thought flashed across his countenance. 
“You won’t go too far in his business? ” 

“ Fear not for that, Pedro.” 

The honest esquire, though he entered fully into his mas- 
ter’s plans, did not yet feel quite satisfied as to their re- 
sult, and when -he left the hotel after dark, dressed up in 
his disguise, he did not fail to speak his misgivings ; but 
the young knight had no eye to see the danger, and Pedro 
sef off upon his mission. 

Two hours passed away, and Charles of Leon was be- 
coming impatient, when Pedro entered his apartment. 

“ What luck? ” anxiously asked Charles. 

“ I’ve found the room the girl occupies, and a tough job 
I had of it too. San Dominic, but those accursed heathens 
need to be punished. One pulled my robe, another pulled 
my pouch, while a third gave a twitch at my beard ; and 
may I be blessed, if he didn’t come near pulling it clean 
off. San Jago, how my dagger itched.” 

“But they didn’t discover you, Pedro?” uttered the 
knight with some anxiety. 

‘ ‘ No. I held my temper till I found out what I was 
after, and then I took myself off.” 

“ Never mind. You may throw off your physician’s garb 
now. You shall have a different one for to-night.” 

“Now, Sir Charles, this helping the Moorish girl away 
from the heathenish old king is all very well ; but what are 
you going to do with her after that? ” 

The knight bit his lip. 

“Of course you don’t think of taking her to Leon,” 
persisted Pedro. 

“And why not?” 

“ Why not ! Why, what would folks say of you? San 
Dominic ! suppose the poor things should fall in love with 
you? You know you are wonderful good-featured, and 

4 


50 THE QUEEN'S REVENGE. 

right handsome for a man and it wouldn’t be her fault, 
neither.” 

The knight smiled a faint, forced smile at Pedro’s query, 
and with all due haste he changed the conversation. 

It was near ten o’clock when Charles of Leon set out in 
company with his esquire. He was habited in a rich 
Moorish costume, and Pedro wore a garb of the same de- 
scription. The knight carried a small lute beneath his 
arm, and as he passed out from his hotel, he looked care- 
fully about him to see that he was not observed — or that no 
one was watching him. Having become satisfied on that 
point, he started off. 

The two men walked rapidly until they reached the wall 
of Ben Hamed’s garden, and here they listened to see that 
all was safe. As no sound was heard, Pedro led the way to 
a small gate he had marked, and here they gained the gar- 
den without difficulty. With careful steps the knight fol- 
lowed his servant along through the shrubbery until they 
reached a small arbor near the house. 

“ There,” whispered Pedro, pointing up to a window 
not far from the ground, where a light was burning, ^Hhat 
is the girl’s apartment.” 

‘ ^ Are you sure ? ’ ’ 

As sure as I am that I’m alive.” 

‘‘Then you remain here. Let your arms be ready, but 
move not unless there is danger.” 

“ San Jago ! but there’s danger enough already.” 

“ Are you afraid ? ” 

“ No. But yet there’s danger.” 

“ So much the better. We ought to love danger by this 
time.” 

“I never could see the use of that, though if danger 
comes, Pedro Bambino will be the last one to run.” 

“Yes, good Pedro, X know you have a brave heart.” 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE. 51 

Yes, and it may be well for you, Sir Charles, that I 
have a cool head.” 

sh ! Was that a step ? ” 

Yes. Draw back — back. Sir Charles.” 

A servant passed near the spot where our two adventurers 
were located, but he was quickly out of sight, and when 
once again all was still, Charles stealthily approached the 
house. At a convenient position he picked up a few small 
pebbles and threw them against the lighted window. 
Twice he repeated the experiment, and then he had .the sat- 
isfaction of seeing some one approach the window. 

The knight drew nearer, and taking his lute from its 
resting-place, he swept the strings with a light touch, and 
then commenced a low, thrilling song, improvising as he 
went along. The words were meant for Zebra’s ears, and 
ere long the window was opened. Charles hushed his lute 
and bent eagerly forward. 

Who calls me?” asked the sweet voice of Zehra, at 
the same time looking down upon the figure that was re- 
vealed by the bright moonlight. 

Your Christian knight,” returned Charles. 

Give me some token.” 

^‘The Darro. Can you not join me, Zehra? I would 
speak with you.” 

’Twill be dangerous to you,” returned the maiden. 

No, no. Think not of danger ,to me. Come to me, I 
implore you ! ” 

If the way is open I will.” 

The knight’s heart beat with joy as Zehra disappeared 
from the window, and moved out of the way to await her 
coming. Pedro expostulated with his master on the pro- 
priety of thus calling the girl from her father’s dwelling ; 
but ere he could make any visible impression on the mind 


52 


THE QUEEN’S REVENGE. ' 

of the young man, the sound of a light footfall was heard, 
and in a moment more he sprang forth to meet Zehra. 

Pedro was directed to remain where he was, to give warn- 
ing of danger, and then taking the maiden by the hand, 
Charles led her away out into the garden. 

‘‘ I bless you that you trust me,” said the knight as they 
gained a distant spot. 

And why should I not trust you? ” 

You should; and in trusting me may I not feel that 
you love me?” 

“ 1 would love you if I dared,” returned Zehra, with her 
eyes bent on the ground. 

And can you fear to love me? ” 

‘ ‘ Between the Christian and the Moor I know there have 
been happy loves,” said Zehra; and how can I think of 
one like you without warmer feelings than those of mere 
gratitude ? But I should fear to leave my heart where it 
would be lost to me.” 

“ Give it to me, lady. Let me have your heart, and in 
return you shall have one as warm and true as ever beat in 
human bosom. With us there is no time for dalliance. 
We are separated by walls that admit of no social con- 
course. If we speak it must be to the point. You. can 
love me and you will. I will be faithful and true.” 

‘‘I am not to blame for a feeling that gives me joy,” 
softly returned the fair maiden. 

‘‘Enough,” uttered Charles of Leon. “And now for 
the future. You must go with me to Leon — to my own 
country.” 

“ Will they be kind to the poor Moorish girl there? ” 

“ Kind ? Ah. You will be my wife, and who shall then 
dare to be otherwise than kind ? ” • 

“ Oh, if I thought you would always love me, always 


THE QUEEN’S REVENGE. 


53 


Hush, Zehra. When I prove false to you I pray that 
my right hand may wither, and my heart dry up. You 
will go with me from here.” 

‘ ‘ I can go the better, for I know that Ben Hamed is not 
my father. What is the matter, sir ? ” 

‘ ‘ Nothing, nothing. Go on. How know you that he 
is not your parent? ” 

By witty words last evening I drew him forth to con- 
fessions that opened to me the truth I sought. He spoke 
not plainly of this thing, nor did I straightway question 
him, but by slow degrees, while he thought I was aiming at 
the king, did 1 aim at this, and he obeyed my wish without 
-a suspicious doubt.” 

And did you learn whence came the fountain of your 
blood?” 

No. I dared not question too much.” 

You know nothing, then, save that Ben Hanied is not 
your father?” 

That is all, except that I am the price at which he 
holds his office.” 

I would that you could have learned more from him,” 
said Charles, in a thoughtful mood. ‘‘Have you no mem- 
ories beyond your knowledge of Ben Hamed ? ” 

“No.” 

For some moments the Christian knight’s heart beat with 
a strange power. He looked earnestly into the face of his 
companion, as though he would have read her whole life- 
history from her features. His countenance was lighted up 
by a curious combination of love, hope, and anxiety, and 
he stopped in his walk as he lost himself in the labyrinth 
of his own thick-coming thoughts. 

‘'‘ What thought is it that possesses you?” asked Zehra, 
as she looked wonderingly up into the Christian’s face. 

“ The thought was of you, lady; but it had no definite 


54 the queen^s revenge , 

point. Yet, I wish you could learn more of your early 
life.” 

I know not where I should learn it ; I must trust to 
time for that.” 

Then so be it,” returned Charles. And now let us 
turn upon another matter. Did you know that Mohammed 
might alter his mind ? ” 

“ How ? ” uttered Zehra, somewhat startled by the ques- 
tion. 

‘ ‘ That he might conclude to hasten this odious plan of 
his — that he might conclude to steal a march upon time, 
and take you sooner than you expect.” 

Indeed, I believe him capable of it.” 

And do you not think Ben Hamed would give way 
should the king demand you of him ? ” 

Yes, yes — alas! yes.” 

Before Charles spoke again, Zehra related to him the cir- 
cumstances of her interview with Emina. 

‘‘I fear you can place little reliance on that,” said 
Charles. “The queen is impulsive, and the sudden 
thoughts of the wrong she was to suffer made her fren- 
zied. Zehra, you must flee with me, and that, too, as soon 
as possible. I will have all in readiness, and we will leave 
Granada.” 

It was some time before the maiden spoke. She uttered 
an objection, but it was tremblingly made, and while she 
hung upon the young knight’s arm, she listened to his 
warm pleadings with a quickly beating heart. She spoke 
again, and again Charles of Leon pleaded. He told her of 
his home in Leon — of the bright flowers and brighter 
love that should be hers, and he softly swore that he 
would ever love her, and cherish her, even honor her, and 
ever be by her side to point out to her and guide her in the 
road to sweet happiness. 


THE QUEEN^S REVENGE. 


55 


The gentle maiden laid her head upon the young Chris- 
tian’s bosom, and in a soft whisper she consented to love and 
obey. She looked happy as she spoke, and Charles could 
see that she trusted him with her whole faith. 

When the count turned toward Ben Hamed’s dwelling, 
their plans for the future were all arranged. The time was 
set for their departure from Granada, and they seemed to 
forget that there might be obstacles in the way. They 
spoke as though the future were in their hands, and that they 
could mould it to their will. 

Pedro was glad to be relieved of his watch, and he as- 
sured his master that no one had been stirring. Zehra re- 
ceived one kiss from her Christian lover, and then she 
glided away toward the house, while Charles and Pedro 
took their steps carefully back toward the point from whence 
they came. 


CHAPTER VIII. 

THE CRUCIFIX. 

Zehra glided carefully along through the passages that 
led to her apartment, and as she went her soul was filled 
by a variety of emotions. She did not suffer one pang of 
conscience for what she had done, for in her pure heart she 
believed she had only been reaching forth for that happi- 
ness which by right belonged to her, and, which was denied 
to her by Ben Hamed. In Charles of Leon she had found 
one whom she could love — one whom she loved when first 
sKe saw him, and the affections of her young heart had 
gathered about him as gathers the sunlight about the earth 
from the rising orb of day. They had shot forth with that 
mysterious power which belongs only to love — a power 


56 ' THE QUEEN^S REVENGE. 

which may never be surely analysed, and which admits of 
no similes. 

The maiden had nearly reached her apartment, when she 
was startled by the appearance of a dusky form before 
her. The moonlight found its way into the long passage 
through the windows of the tower that capped the building, 
and that light was just sufficient to show that the form that 
had appeared was possessed of life. Zehra moved more 
quickly toward her room, and she reached it before the un- 
known came up. She hastily opened the door, but as she 
closed it she heard quick steps, and before she could move 
the bolt a strong hand pushed the door back, and Ben 
Hamed stalked into the apartment. The lamp was still 
burning which Zehra had left, and by the light the trem- 
bling girl could see that Ben Hamed had just come from 
without, as he was habited in his walking-dress. 

Zehra,” said he, in a stern, threatening tone, ‘‘where 
have you been? ” 

“In the garden, father,” she unhesitatingly answered. 

“ And what did you there ? ” 

“ I walked amid the foliage.” 

“ Were you alone ? ” 

The alcalde bent a searching glance upon the maiden as 
he spoke, and he took a step nearer to her. 

“Were you alone,” he repeated. 

It was a hard question for Zehra. She knew not how to 
disobey Ben Hamed, and she knew not how to tell a lie. 

“Were you alone?” asked Ben Hamed, for the third 
time. “No! ” trembling uttured Zehra. 

‘ ‘ Ha 1 I saw two men leaving my garden as I came in. 
Who were they ? ’ ’ 

Zehra almost wished now that she had told a lie, for she 
must either brave the anger of Ben Hamed or betray her 
lover. The former she feared, but the latter she was de.- 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE. 


57 


termined not to do. She knew but too well what might 
be the fate of the young Christian were he discovered in 
this, and she resolved to keep the secret. She knew not 
but that she had been discovered in company with the 
young knight, and therefore she determined to tell of truth 
what she did tell, ahd keep the rest to herself. 

Who were those men? I asked.” 

‘‘I cannot tell,” returned Zehra, bringing all her forti- 
tude to her assistance. 

“ Beware, girl. Tell me no falsehoods.” 

I shall tell you none.” 

^^Then who were those men? ” 

“ I cannot tell.” 

“ Do you mean that you will not? ” 

‘‘It cannot matter what I mean else. I cannot tell 
you.” 

“ By the holy Prophet, girl, I do not brook your 
stubborn disobedience. Once more I ask you, who were 
those men ? ” 

“ Ben Hamed, were your dagger at this moment pressed 
upon my bosom, I should give you no other answer.” 

“ But you shall answer me — and let me tell you too, 
that I have mistrusted your fidelity, and that sure meas- 
ures have been taken against your disobedience. This very 
week you go to the king.” 

If Ben Hamed meant that to have frightened Zehra 
into a confession, he was greatly mistaken, for it only 
served to nerve her soul with a stronger resolution. 

“ Now, Zehra, once more I ask you — who were those 
men ? ” 

“'You have my answer.” 

“ Now, by Allah, I’ll take you at your word,” cried Ben 
Hamed, in a fury of passion, at the same time grasping the 
maiden by the shoulder and pointing the dagger to her 


58 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE. 


heart. ^‘Answer my question, or this sharp steel shall 
drink your best blood ! Answer ! ” 

“ Ben Hamed, your weapon frightens me not. Ah, 
press its point till it feels my heart, if you choose, and 
while I die I will tell you that it were far preferable to the 
arms of Mohammed. Strike me, Ben Hamed, but you 
will get no answer.” 

The alcalde let his dagger fall upon the floor in utter as- 
toundment. To see the maiden thus was not what he could 
have believed, and even now he doubted whether . she were 
in her right mind. She that had ever been so coy and 
mild — so meek and unassuming — to see her thus almost 
turned the will of Ben Hamed in that it puzzled his brain. 
He was at fault, for he would no more have dared to harm 
the person of the maiden than he would have dared to cut- 
off his own right hand. 

‘‘Zehra,”he asked at length, while he struggled hard 
to govern his passions, “ do you know who those persons 
were ? and were they not with you ? ” 

‘‘Do not question me further, Ben Hamed, for I will 
not answer. Ay — strike me if you please, I can bear your 
blows.” 

Ben Hamed moved slowly back, and his features under- 
went a dark, lowering change. The passion settled into a 
demoniac feeling, and as he laid his hand upon the door- 
knob he turned upon the maiden. 

“ Keep your secret, but it shall do you no good. Now 
I know who it is that has been within my garden to see 
you. It is Charles of Leon ! But, by Allah, his head shall 
answer for it ! ” 

Zehra forgot herself. Her woman’s heart betrayed her, 
for as she heard these fearful words she uttered a quick cry, 
and started toward her guardian. 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE, 59 

** Oh, harm not him ! ” she cried, clasping her hands to- 
gether. 

Ben Hamed smiled a grim smile. 

“I’ve read your secret,” he said, “ what did the Chris- 
tian dog tell you ? ” 

“ Nothing, nothing.” 

“ I know what he told you ; but he told you a lie ! ” 

Zehra started, for there were now marks of fear upon Ben 
Hamed’s features. His words were stange, and the girl saw 
that he was powerfully moved by other feelings than those 
of anger. 

“ What — what did he tell you? ” repeated the alcalde, 
letting go his hold upon the door and taking a step toward 
Zehra. 

The fair girl hesitated, for her reason once more came to 
her assistance. She had no doubt but that Ben Hamed 
was confident that the young Christian had been to see her ; 
but she knew that the secret of the plans she had that night 
agreed to was safe. What the alcalde meant she could not 
divine, though it was evident to her that he alluded to some- 
thing of moment of which she was ignorant. 

“ You need not question me,” the maiden at length an- 
swered. 

‘ ‘ Then Charles of Leon dies ! Mark me, girl — Charles 
of Leon dies ! and you will soon be in the hands of one 
who has the power to ” 

Before Ben Hamed finished the sentence, Zehra had 
swooned and sank upon the low couch at her feet. The 
alcalde was alarmed, for he feared that harm might come 
to her, and in that case he knew that Mohammed would 
hold* him responsible. He sprang to her side, and sinking 
upon his knees he raised her head to his lap, 

“Are you ill, Zehra ? Speak to me.” 


6o 


THE QUEEN^S REVENGE. 


The fair girl opened her eyes, and gazed up into Ben 
Hamed’s face. 

“ You are not ill? he uttered, while a ray of hope shot 
athwart his features. But it was a selfish hope, for its op- 
posite was a fear of the king’s wrath, and not a love for 
the girl. ‘‘ Speak to me, Zehra. Tell me that you are not 
ill.” 

“J shall be better when you are gone.” 

But before I go tell me what the Christian said to you,” 
uttered the alcalde, raising Zehra to a sitting posture, and 
then starting to his feet, a look of relief breaking over his 
features as he spoke. 

“ Nothing, nothing,” murmured Zehra. 

“He did!” cried Ben Hamed, at once moved and 
blinded by the passion he could not curb. “ He told you 
that you were not my child ! But he told you a lie I ” 

Zehra raised herself to the ottoman that stood near her, 
and then gazed with a steady, burning look into Ben 
Hamed’s face. She remembered how Charles had started 
when she spoke to him of doubts, and she now saw more 
clearly what might be the fears of the man before her, 
though she was of course deeply puzzled. ' 

,“ Ben Hamed,” she said, “you have premised that the 
Christian has spoken with me. On that point you must 
rest -upon your own surmises ; but let me assure you that 
the idea of my not being your daughter, was never breathed 
to me by other lips than your own; unless, indeed, the 
language of my poor old nurse might have been construed 
into that meaning. But that was years ago,, and I have al- 
most lost the things she told me.” 

“You are my child,” Ben Hamed said. “Your old 
nurse never told you that you were not.” 

“ If I am your child, then treat me as such,” returned 


THE QUEEN^S REVENGE. ' 6l 

Zebra, wishing to have the interview closed, and to that 
end expressing no doubt upon the subject. 

I will treat you as such; and more than that, I will 
teach you that I am a parent, and a parent’s authority 
shall be over you till you feel the stronger power of your 
husband. You leave not this room again till you leave it 
for your home in the Alhambra. Whatever may have 
passed thus far you may keep to yourself if you choose ; 
but you had better not whisper it to other ears than mine. 
I will leave you to your rest now, and you may settle the 
matter with yourself. From this moment .a watch is set 
over you. You will not leave this place till I will it.” 

As Ben Hamed ceased speaking he turned and left the 
apartment. For some time after he had gone Zebra re- 
mained upon the low ottoman, but at length she started to 
her feet. 

‘•Between the Christian knight and Ben Hamed there is 
some mystery,” she said to herself, as she pressed her hand 
upon her brow. “ Upon my soul’s happiness I would stake 
the belief that Ben Hamed fears Charles of Leon far more 
than he dares to tell. I saw the movement of fear upon his 
face when he called that name.” 

As the fair girl sank into her own reflections her lips con- 
tinued to move, but no sound came forth. Suddenly there 
came upon her features a bright, startling ray of light, and 
under its impulse she arose from the ottoman and went to 
a curiously- wrought cabinet that stood in one corner of her 
apartment. She opened a door, and then drew forth a 
small drawer, which she took in her hand and carried to 
where stood the lamp. It was full of trinkets, some of them 
costly and magnificent, while others were simple afid un- 
pretending. She took out, one after another, the articles 
that lay uppermost, and laid them upon the stand by the 
side of the lamp. At length she reached the article she 


62 


THE QUEEN^S REVENGE. 


sought. It was a small golden crucifix. As the rays of the 
lamp fell upon it, its jewels sparkled with exceeding lustre, 
and for some moments Zehra gazed silently upon it. 

This my nurse gave me, and most assuredly she said 
it was my mother’s,” murmured the fair girl. Yet it is 
no Moslem bauble. ’Tis the Christian’s symbol of the 
Savior Charles told me of. Was my mother a Christian ? ” 
The words fell trembling from Zebra’s lips, and as she 
pressed the crucifix to her lips, she sank back upon the ot- 
toman and closed her eyes. 

Watch me ! watch me ! ” she said, as she clasped the 
cross ; but I tell thee, Ben Hamed, you wilt need a thou- 
sand eyes to watch me as you wish.” 


CHAPTER IX. 

ABDALLA AGAIN. 

** Do you really mean that thing ? ” uttered Pedro Bam- 
bino, regarding his master with wondering looks. 

Upon my faith I do,” returned the knight. I be- 
lieve I speak the truth.” 

Then God bless us. I’ll help you to the last drop of 
blood I’ve got.” 

‘^1 don’t doubt you, Pedro.” 

You have no reason to. But now how shall this thing be 
done?” 

It’s all arranged. Zehra will be ready to accompany 
us on the fourth night from this. Our horses are fleet 
enougl-^, and I will see that a third is procured for her.” 

This conversation was held while the knight and his 
esquire were returning from their visit to the house of Ben 
Hamed. They had entered the street that led into the 


THE queen‘s S REVENGE, 63 

main portion of the city, and their conversation was drop- 
ped. 

Sir Charles, there’s somebody watching us from the 
other side of the street,” whispered Pedro. 

The knight turned his head, and he could see, beneath 
the shadow of the high buildings opposite, some one who 
appeared to be regarding his movements with more than a 
passing interest. He quickened his pace — and so did the 
dusky form opposite. He slacked his steps — and so did his 
vis-a-vis, 

‘‘ He’s watching us surely,**’ said Pedro. 

“I think I know that form,” returned the knight. And 
as he spoke he stopped. 

— sh ! ” quickly uttered Pedro. hit you mad, thus 
to expose yourself? ” 

“ There’s is no danger.” 

Yes there is. You don’t want to be known in this dis- 
guise. Come.” 

Pedro caught his master by the arm, but he was too 
late, for the stranger had already started to cross* the street. 

Charles of Leon,” said the muffled man. 

<^San Dominic! that Abdalla again, as Pm a Christian 
man,” said Pedro, as he noticed the features of the new 
comer. 

‘^Abdalla,” uttered Charles, ^‘what seek you of me?” 

“ The Moor’s habiliments befit you well,” said the Mos- 
lem, as he moved nearer to the knight. 

And what of that ? ” 

‘ ‘ O, nothing, save that they have probably served you 
well, too.” 

‘^Perhaps they have. At alb events, I am freer from im- 
pertinent curiosity ” 

The knight spoke in a bitter tone, but Abdalla seemed 
not to notice it. 


64 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE. 


You are not alone,” he said. 

<‘So far as secrets are concerned, myself and esquire 
are one,” returned Charles, guessing at the Moor’s mean- 
ing. 

Then you have been to the dwelling of Ben Hamed.” 

Charles of Leon started, and instinctively his hand 
rested upon his sword-hilt. 

“ I mean you no harm,” quickly added Abdalla, as he 
noticed the Christian’s movement. 

^‘Then why do you seek me? Why dog my steps in 
this way?” 

Because I have an interest in your movements. They 
may affect me much. You have been to Ben Hamed’s.” 

Let your assertion be true or false, what matters it? ” 

‘^Much to you, and perhaps much to me. Did you see 
the lady Zehra.” 

“To tell you the truth, Moor, I cannot but look upon 
your questions as impertinent. Why should I tell you what 
you ask to know ? ” 

“Look ye, Charles of Leon, I know enough of your 
movements already to send you to the executioner — and let 
me tell you that our king is not very nice in his distinctions 
when any one stands in his way. Don’t grasp your sword 
in that fashion, for I can assure you there is no need of it. 
Now tell me — have you not determined to carry Zehra out 
from Granada ? ” 

The Christian knight was astounded. If he had looked 
upon Abdalla before with curiosity, he now regarded him 
with a sort of fearful wonder. 

“ Who are you,” he uttered, “ that would even read my 
very thoughts ? ” 

“I am nothing but what you see. I am poorer, per- 
haps, than you imagine, and there is but one man in Gran- 
ada that dares even call me his friend. One thing more I 


THE QUEEN^S REVENGE. 


65 

will tell you, and that is, if you have occasion to fear for 
your safety in the city, I am even with you there. Did you 
know your own vantage you might at this moment place 
me where Mohammed would find a right speedy death for 
me. Ah, sir knight, you have nothing to fear from me. 
Now tell me, have you not found in Zehra one whom you 
sought?” 

Charles gazed upon the Moslem, but he did not speak. 

Answer me that,” urged the Moor. 

And wherefore should I ? ” 

Because if you did not know, I could tell you who and 
what she is.” 

** Is she of Moorish blood ? ** 

<‘No.” 

Was she born in Granada? ** 

“No.” 

“ Then how came she here ? ” 

“She was taken from her father’s tent on the bloody 
field of Almanza.” 

^ ‘ And were you there ? ” , 

“Yes. That day the Moslem waded deep in his own 
blood : but the Christian trembled beneath the shock. 
Yes, I was there, Christian, and I had better have died 
there. But Allah rules as he pleases, and we must obey.” 

Even Pedro now began to look upon the Moor with 
other interest than that of doubt. There was something 
frank and noble in his manner, and an air of misfortune 
surrounded him that was not to be mistaken. Charles of 
Leon hesitated a few moments ere he spoke, but something 
told him that the Moor might be trusted. 

“ Since you know so much,” he said, “I may tell you 
what you ask. I do mean to carry 'R 

“ — sh?” whispered Pedro, pulling his master by the 
sleeve. 


5 


66 


THE QUEEN EE FENCE, 


Don’t fear, Pedro,” said Charles, gently removing his 
esquire’s hand ; and then turning to the Moor, he contin- 
ued : 

do mean to carry Zehra away from the power of the 
Granadan king.” 

^‘And you think you will succeed?” 

“I do not mean to fail.” 

‘‘lam sorry for it,” uttered the Moor. “ The last hope 
I had is crushed.” 

“ Ah ! ” pronounced Charles, in a prolonged tone. “Will 
you betray me ? ” 

“ No, no,” quickly returned Abdalla; “ Allah knows I 
will not do that. But perhaps you may not succeed after 
all.” 

The last part of the Moor’s remark was characterized by 
a sudden lighting up of strange hope. 

“I shall certainly try,” said the Christian, eyeing his 
interlocutor with increasing interest. 

“ Mark me, sir knight,” the Moslem said, “I would that 
the king might drag the maiden to his palace. Start not, 
for I mean no evil to the fair lady. But let me assure you 
that Mohammed shall not harm her.” 

‘ ‘ What mean you by harm ? ’ ’ bitterly cried the young 
knight. “What greater harm could come to her than that ? 
I tell you she would rather lie down quietly to her death 
than be the wife of Mohammed.*^’ 

“You mistake me. She may go to the king’s palace and 
yet not be his wife. Tell me,” — and Abdalla’s voice sank 
to a strange whisper as he spoke — “ do you not think she 
would have the courage to kill the king ? ’ ’ 

Charles recoiled a step before the burning gaze of the 
Moor. He began to think him bereft of his senses. 

“ Think you not she would do it? ” repeated Abdalla. 

“ No. I believe she would not.” 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE. 6/ 

‘‘ There’s one there who would. The mother of the 
prince will not see another wife brought to supersede her. 
Emina has been faithful, and she will not brook the com- 
ing of a younger and more beautiful wife. I thank you 
that you have told me of your plans, for I was anxious to 
learn of them, and though I can but hope you may not suc- 
ceed as you have planned, yet I will pray for Zebra’s wel- 
fare, and I swear to you that I will not betray you. Our 
meeting upon the roadside was an accident ; but when you 
told me your name, and when I saw by your escutcheon 
who you were, I knew the business upon which you had 
come. Be careful how you conduct that business, for 
there may be obstacles you will not so easily surmount. 
This is not the strange meeting to which I alluded when 
last I saw you. That meeting may yet take place.” 

At this moment footsteps were heard approaching the 
spot, and Abdalla quickly recrossed the street, and glided 
away into the darkness of a narrow passage that led off to- 
ward the eastern part of the city. The Christians drew 
their mantles more closely about them as they noticed 
strangers coming toward them ; but they passed on without 
stopping. 

After Charles reached his hotel, Pedro tried to persuade 
him that he had done a very foolish thing, but the knight 
would not own it. 

He’s a spy. I’m sure of it,” said Pedro, with an un- 
usual degree of perseverance. 

“ I think not,” answered Charles. 

Then who or what is he ? ” 

I don’t know any more than he told me to-night.” 

And that wasn’t a very clear account, by any means,” 
said the esquire in a decided tone. 

As clear as could be expected from one in his situa- 
tion. He evidently has occasion to fear for his own safety. ” 


68 


THE QUEEN EE FENCE. 


“Now don’t be offended, sir Charles, if I tell you just 
what I think.” 

“By no means, Pedro — you are privileged,” returned 
Charles with a smile. 

Then you are not so wise as you ought to be. Now just 
look at your transactions with that Moor. You told him 
all -he wanted to know, and what did you get him in re- 
turn ? Nothing, only that he hoped you would not suc- 
ceed ! You betrayed your every secret to him — gave him 
full power over you, and in return you don’t even know 
where to look for him. You don’t know who he is, what 
his business is, nor what his character is. You shouldn’t 
have trusted him.” 

“What you say is all very well, Pedro, but your con- 
clusions are not warrantable. To be sure I learned but 
very little of the strange Moslem ; but yet I feel sure that 
he is to be trusted. It is not my disposition to doubt every 
one I see.” 

“Let me tell you, my master, that I have a safe rule for 
that matter. When I am among friends I doubt not one 
till he proves himself treacherous; but when I am among 
enemies I doubt every one whom I do not know.” 

“ Well, Pedro, your rule is a good one, I must admit; 
but I will be responsible for all evil results. It is late now.” 

Pedro took the hint, and without further remark he 
turned toward his own room, which was only separated 
from his master’s by a single door; but as he went his 
countenance showed plainlly that he was not at all satisfied 
with what had transpired. 

It cannot be said that the knight himself felt perfectly free 
from apprehension, and before he retired to his couch he 
had wished that he had not told to Abdalla all that he had 
so fully > revealed. But it was too late to cherish regrets 
now. 


THE QUEEN REVENGE, 


69 


^ CHAPTER X. 

THE FLIGHT AND THE BATTLE. 

On the next mornig Charles of Leon walked out toward 
the river Xenil, where he knew there were large pastures, 
for the purpose of seeking a horse. In the suburbs of the 
city he found plenty of horse dealers, and ere long he was 
in full tide of barter. He found a horse that suited him 
exactly. The animal was an Arabian, delicately built, but 
yet strong and enduring of muscle. He was of a grayish 
color, rather lighter than ordinary for such a color, how- 
ever ; and having tried his speed, Charles determined to 
buy him. The price was exorbitant, but the knight was 
soon satisfied that the owner meant just what he said, so he 
drew forth his purse and counted out the sum. 

Charles sprang upon the back of his new purchase, and 
as he rode back to the city he felt perfectly satisfied with 
his bargain. The animal was kind and easy to manage, 
and he betrayed no dislike to his change of masters. 

The horses were now ready : Charles had matured in his 
own mind the plans he was to follow, and the hours drag- 
ged slowly, heavily away while he waited for the moment 
that was to place Zehra in his possession. 


It was a dark night— dark because it was moonless — 
but yet not dark enough to be gloomy, for there were stars 
peeping down upon the earth. Charles of Leon and his 
esquire rode out from the city to tlie northward, and at a 
suitable place, where there grew a thick grove of oaks they 


70 


THE QUEEN '^S REVENGE, 


fastened their horses, Pedro having led the third horse 
by the bridle. The knight was dressed in his full armor of 
mail, and Pedro was likewise armed as if for battle. 

After the horses were secured, Charles and his companion 
started off on foot, and having retraced their steps a dis- 
tance of some fifty rods, they turned from the road and 
took the way toward a grove that lay at the foot of a gentle 
hill. Here they stopped to await the coming of Zehra, for 
it was here that she had agreed to meet her lover. It had 
been her own choice that he should not come to Ben 
Hamed’s garden, for there was danger in such a course, and 
it could have been no aid to her. 

While the knight was thus waiting, the gentle Zehra was 
preparing to meet him. A watch had been set upon her 
movements, but she had contrived to outwit her guardian. 
One of the alcalde’s female slaves had been placed to over- 
look Zebra’s motions, but the simple creature now lay as 
quiet as an infant beneath the effects of a strong sleeping 
potion, and her young mistress had nothing to fear from 
her. 

Such trinkets as the fair girl wished to retain she had 
secured, and the jewelled crucifix she had hung about her 
neck by the small golden chain that was attached to it. A 
strong cord she had made of her useless garments, and by 
this she easily let herself down from her window into the 
garden below. After she was safe upon the ground, she 
waited a single moment to assure herself that no one was 
moving near her, and then, drawing her mantle up over her 
head, she glided swiftly away. 

With rapid steps Zehra hastened on. The garden wall 
offered her no impediment, and she was soon flying along 
through the gloom far beyond Ben Hamed’s grounds. She 
thought not of the danger she was to meet, but she only 
thought of the misery she was leaving behind. If she had 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE. 


71 


a fear, it was that she might not find her lover at his post : 
but this was soon set at rest ; for as she drew near the grove 
where she had promised to meet him, she heard her name 
pronounced by a voice she could not mistake. 

<*Zehra.” 

It is Zehra,” returned the fugitive, as she sank into the 
knight’s arm. 

“ God be praised ! You are not weak, dearest ? ” 

^^No, no — I am strong.” 

^‘Then let us hasten. Lead the way, Pedro, and have 
the hores ready.” 

As the knight spoke he drew the arm of Zehra within his 
own and hastened on to the spot where the horses had 
been left. 

You do not regret this step ?” he whispered, as he 
gained the road. 

<<No — l am happy.” 

You shall always be so.” 

And you shall make me so,” said Zehra. 

“ Yes, fair girl — ever. O, there’s joy for you in Leon. 
You shall find friends there you know of. This heart of 
mine opened for you when first I saw you, but I knew not 
then how much I might love you — I knew not then how 
near as well as dear you were.” 

* ^ Near ? ’ ’ repeated Zehra. 

Yes. There’s no Moorish blood in your veins.” 

O, lam sure there is not.” 

‘^Nor is Moslem’s kingdom your home,” said Charles. 

Do you know whence I came? Do you know where 
my home of birth is? ” 

“Yes. In Leon. Come — here are the horses.” 

“ We must make all haste,” said Pedro, as he led out the 
horse his master had bought for Zehra, “ for in less than an 
hour the moon will be up.” 


72 THE QUEEN^S REVENGE, 

And that time shall place us far from here,” returi>ed 
Charles. 

<‘Come, Zehra, let me assist you to your seat. The 
animal I have procured is kind, and if necessity calls he 
can be fleet of foot. There, sit firmly in your place now, 
and draw the rein without fear.” 

shall not fail,” returned the fair girl, as she pressed 
her foot firmly into the stirrup. The prize to be won will 
give me new strength.” 

“ You, Pedro, will ride behind,” said the knight, as he 
vaulted into his saddle ; and looked well for the approach 
of danger. Let your ears be open. If we but keep the 
road, the horses will look out for the stumbling-blocks. 
Come, my faithful steed, bear me now from danger.” 

The noble horse seemed to comprehend his master’s 
words, for he pricked up his ears and pawed eagerly upon 
the ground. Charles of Leon satisfied himself that Zehra 
was safely seated, and then he gave the signal for start- 
ing. 

“Give your horse the reins,” said Zehra, as soon as she 
found how easily she rode. “ Fear not for me. I shall sit 
firmly.” 

The knight could not see the girl’s features plainly, but 
he could tell by her voice that she was anxious to go on as 
fast as he chose, while the fleet Arabian easily kept close by 
his side. 

The road was good, and though the way was dark, yet 
the horses sped on without hindrance. In half an hour the 
Gaudix had been crossed, and as the bridge was cleared, 
Charles waited for Pedro to come up. 

“ Ho, Pedro — will we take the way we came? ” asked the 
knight. 

There was a road that led directly on to the northward, 
but it will be remembered that when Charles came to 


THE QUEEN^S REVENGE. 73 

Granada, he opened upon the river some distance further to 
the eastward. 

“ This road will carry us on to Jaen, where we’d better 
not go,” answered Pedro, as he reined up his horse. ‘‘Let 
us take the old route. We can leave El Ajo to the right, 
and cross the Guadalquiver on the borders of Andalusia.” 

“Right, Pedro — right. We must reach the stronghold 
of St. Lorenzo in the morning, and there we shall be 
safe.” 

Again the horses were put forward, Pedro falling back 
into the rear. Charles followed the bank of the river 
down till he came to the road he sought, and here he turned 
off. The distance of a mile through a thick wood opened 
into a wide, cultivated plain, and as they entered upon this 
the horses were urged somewhat. 

“ See,” said Zehra, as she pointed to where the eastern 
heavens were growing red, “ the moon is rising. We shall 
soon have a lighter path.” 

~ “And yet I should choose a dark one,” returned the 
knight. 

“Is that not another wood ahead?” the girl asked, as 
she saw the dark line that bounded the plain to the north- 
ward. 

“Yes, and it is the last we shall have to shelter us till we 
cross the Guadalquiver.” 

“I think there will be no danger,” Zehra said in a 
hopeful tone. 

‘ ‘ Perhaps there may not be. Let your horse have his 
rein — keep firm in your seat — the vvay is smooth and clear.” 

Faster went the lover and his lady over the plain, and 
half the distance had been passed, when the knight thought 
he heard a horse coming after him. He turned his head, 
and ere long Pedro came galloping furiously up. 


74 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE. 

‘‘On! on!” cried Pedro, as he daslicd alongside. 

“ There are horses in our rear ! ” 

“Pursuers?” uttered Charles. 

“Yes — they must be. I heard their horses’ hoofs 
thundering upon the bridge, and they must have followed 
us on our route.” 

“ O, then let us flee ! ” cried Zehra, in accents of terror. 

“ I can ride upon the very wind without danger.” 

“Then on it is,” shouted the knight, as he sank his 
spurs into his horse’s flank. 

The beast sprang forward, and Zebra’s Arabian kept 
lightly up. The wood was gained, and its deep shade gave 
the riders an instinctive feeling of security. Of one thing 
Charles soon became convinced, and that was, that his own 
horse was no match for the Arabian. He knew that his 
faithful charger, though strong and powerful, was going at 
the top of his speed, while it was evident at a single glance 
that Zebra’s horse was scarcely straining a muscle. The 
thought gave him a sudden uneasiness, for he knew that 
there were many of those lithe-limbed beasts in Granada, 
and it would be hard to distance them. 

When the wood was cleared, the open country beyond 
was bathed in the moonlight, and for a moment Charles of 
Leon hesitated. 

“ On ! on ! ” shouted Pedro. “ They have entered the 
wood.” 

The knight had thought of concealment, but the idea 
passed quickly away. 

“ They gain upon us,” cried Pedro. 

“ We can gain the steep pass of El Ajo before they over- ' 
take us,” returned the esquire. 

“God grant that we may!” uttered Charles. “Fear 
not, Zehra, we are safe yet.” 

The maiden spoke not, but she grasped her rein with a 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE, 75 

firmer hold and urged her horse on. She sat like a rock in 
her seat, with no fear save of those behind her. 

*‘They have cleared the wood,” cried Pedro. 

Charles turned his head, and he could see the pursuers 
and he could see their shields, too, as they glistened in the 
moonlight. 

Can you count them? ” he asked of Pedro. 

“ Yes — there are six of them \ but I am sure there were 
more than six of them crossed the bridge, for I heard their 
horses’ tramp, and there must have been a score of them, 
at least.” 

‘‘Cheer up, sweet Zehra,” said the young Christian, as 
he noticed that she trembled. “ Six of the Moors are 
nothing to me, if I can but reach the El Ajo pass. There 
I would face a score of them.” 

The pass to which allusion was made was some eight 
miles distant, and with the hope of reaching it, the knight 
urged his horse to the top of his speed. Pedro now kept 
closely behind, and ever and anon he cast his eyes back to 
see how came on the pursuers. The moon had risen clear 
and bright, and her round, full face threw down a flood of 
light upon the plain — a light so glaring that Charles almost 
fancied the sun had grown crazy, and rushed untimely to 
his rising. He could see that Zehra looked anxious — that 
her face was pale, and as he looked upon her he felt his 
muscles grow stronger and his heart grow bigger with love 
and daring. 

Before twoThirds of the distance to the pass had been 
gained, the tramp of the pursuing horses could be heard. 
They sounded fearfully distinct, and Charles could hear 
how quick they were. 

“There are upon us!” uttered Zehra. “O, Heaven 
save us ! ” 

“There’s hope yet, dearest,” cried Charles, assuming a 


THE QUEEN REVENGE. 


76 

cheerful tone, If we can but hold out a few minutes 
longer. I can see the rocky crags now. On, Zehra ! O, 
there’s hope yet.” 

Heaven defend me ! ” 

“ Heaven will aid me, and I will defend you. Fear not 
while this arm holds its strength.” 

And if that arm should fail ! O, that would be more 
dreadful still.” 

Zehra spoke again, but the clatter of the horses’ hoofs 
drowned her voice. 

^ ‘ On ! on ! One push more ! ’ ’ shouted Pedro, from behind. 

That was given, and the reeking horses entered the pass. 
It was a narrow path, not over six feet wide, flanked on 
either side by high and almost perpendicular cliffs, and 
some hundred feet long. It was a natural notch through a 
spur of the Alpujarras, and a passage other than through 
this could not be made except by going six miles further to 
the westward. The moment that Charles cleared the pass, 
he reined up his horse and stopped. 

Pedro,” he said, ‘‘push on with Zehra.” 

“And you. Sir Charles,” uttered the esquire, as he 
pulled in his horse. 

“I will stop and cut off the pursuit. Go, now.” 

“ But I must remain by your side.” 

“No, no. In God’s name I order you to push on. I 
can hold them all at bay till you have escaped. On ! on ! 
Keep the road to Saint Lorenzo, and I will overtake you. 
Not another word. Go, now. Fear not for me, Zehra. 
My love for you shall keep me whole. Go with my man, 
and I will see you again.” 

“But this is—” 

“On, Pedro, and obey me ! ” shouted the knight, in a 
'tone that was not to be disobeyed. “ They are already upon 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE, 77 

us. In God’s name, on ! If I fall, you will know what to 
do; but I will not fail. Sink your rowels deeply in.” 

It was with a dubious look jthat Pedro obeyed ; but he 
knew there was no time for further reply, and he set off. 

“ God bless you ! ” uttered Charles, as he pressed the 
hand of Zehra to his lips. ‘‘There — now follow my 
esquire.” 

As the maiden’s horse dashed off, the pursuers were 
almost up to the pass. The knight loosened his shield 
from its rest, and then drawing his trusty sword, he started 
back again into the narrow notch. On came the Moors, 
but only two could ride abreast, and even at that they were 
pinched for room. 

“Out of the way!” cried a voice, which Charles at 
once recognized as the alcalde’s. “ Back, or I’ll ride you 
down.” 

“You’ll ride down a dead man, then,” returned the 
knight. 

“ Charles of Leon, by Allah 1 ” exclaimed Ben Hamed. 
“This for thy carcass, Christian dog ! ” 

Charles slightly backed as the alcalde came furiously on, 
and the latter received the worst of the shock. The 
Christian caught the blow of the sword that was aimed at 
him upon his shield, while his own had only been thrust 
straight forward, so that Ben Hamed received its point in 
his side without seeing it. The shock, the glancing of his 
own weapon from the Christian’s shield, and the deep 
wound in his side, were sufficient to throw the alcalde upon 
the ground, while Charles allowed the riderless horse to 
dash on by him. 

Pedro had miscounted the pursuers, for Ben Hamed had 
but four followers ; but it made but little difference, for 
only two could come forward at a time, and even then at a 
disadvantage. At the present moment the Moors were 


;8 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE. 


puzzled, for their leader lay directly in their way. Ben 
Hamed soon gained his feet, but it was only to be knocked 
down by the horse of one of his own men. He fell upon 
one side of the pass, however, and the foremost Moor 
pushed by him. It was not very light in the notch, yet 
things could be distinctly seen in the outline, and the 
Christian was prepared for the onset. He met the coming 
Moor, and at the fourth pass his sword found the Moslem’s 
bosom. 

Two of the Moors had dismounted and were dragging 
their leader out from the pass, while the remaining one saw 
his companion fall, and then sprang forward to avenge him. 
Thus did Charles of Leon take his enemies one at a time, 
and those who knew him would not have wondered that he 
conquered. His present opposer held him a smart fight, 
but his good sword failed him not, and ere long the second 
Moslem lay dead upon the cold, rocky path. 

The most severe trial was yet to come, for no sooner had 
the two Moors seen Ben Hamed safe at the other end of the 
pass, than they sprang back into their saddles and made at 
the Christian. 

Give way, dog ! ” cried one of them. 

*‘Not while I live,” returned Charles. 

Charles of Leon received both of their blows without 
harm — one upon his shield and the other upon his mailed 
shoulder. The Christian had one advantage; his triple 
mail shielded him against all slashing, cutting blows, 
while his opponents wore only single breast-plates. The 
clang of swords was sharp and fierce ; once the Christian 
got a prick in the right thigh, but the man that gave him 
the thrust fell from his horse on the next moment, with 
his head half severed from his body. 

The remaining Moor soon cried for quarter, and Charles 
let his point fall. 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE, 


79 

“Back, then,” the Christian cried. “ Let fall your 
sword ! ” 

The Moslem dropped his weapon, and backed quickly 
from the pass. 

“ Help me to my horse,” faintly groaned Ben Hamed, 
who had raised himself upon his elbow. 

“Help the poor alcalde,” said Charles. 

“ Christian dog ! ” exclaimed the fallen Moslem, “ you 
have not yet escaped. Vengeance shall yet be mine.” 

“ Rail on, poor fool — then go and find another wife for 
your king.” 

The alcalde was lifted to the back of one of the horses, 
and with much difficulty managed to grasp the reins. 

“ Don’t be too confident,” he uttered, at the same time 
cringing with pain. “You may yet wonder to find who is 
the fool ! ” 

As the alcalde spoke he made a motion to his companion, 
who had mounted the horse, and then both started off. 

Charles of Leon turned back and instinctively he stopped 
to gaze upon those whom he had slain. He could just see 
the glistening of their breast-plates, and he guided his horse 
carefully over the bodies. 

‘ ‘ Does Ben Hamed speak with reason ? ” he uttered to 
himself, as he thrust his sword back into its scabbard. “I 
shall wonder to find who is the fool ! By heaven ! if there 
be danger ahead ! ’ ’ 

The knight’s exclamation was cut short by the clatter of 
horses’ hoofs. He quickly drew his sword again, and with 
much misgiving he set himself on his guard. It was a sin- 
gle horseman coming from the northward, and as the clat- 
ter grew more distinct a variety of fears intruded them- 
selves upon the knight’s mind. 


8o 


THE QUEEN REVENGE. 


CHAPTER XI. 

LOST. 

Charles of Leon drew further back into the pass as the 
horseman approached, but ere long he discovered that he 
had no personal danger to fear, for he recognized in the 
horseman who was coming toward him his own esquire. 
This discovery, however, was far from setting the knight’s 
mind at rest. 

“ Gads my life ! Sir Charles, are you safe ? ” was Pe- 
dro’s exclamation, as he drew in his rein. 

Yes, yes. But why are you here? ” 

To help my master. Eh ! what’s that in the pass ? ” 

‘‘ Three of the Moors are there.” 

“ And where are the other three? ” 

There were but two more ; you made a mistake in your 
count. One of them — the alcalde — has gone back to be 
cured of his bruises, and the other has gone to help him.” 

“ San Dominic, but my mastar’s sword is as good as 
ever.” 

But Zehra — where have you left her ? ” 

“ At the edge of the small wood just over yonder hill.” 

“ Pedro, you should not have left her alone.” 

‘‘ But how could I help it? I feared that you might be 
worsted. I could not rest easy while I knew you were iq 
danger.” 

‘‘And yet, Pedro, you should not have left Zehra. I 
told you not to.” 

‘ ‘ There can be no danger, for I left her in a safe place, 
and she promised not to move till I returned,” urged Pe- 


THE QUEEN REVENGE. 8 1 

dro, as he noticed that his master was sorely troubled by 
what had happened. 

You should not have left her.” 

She told me to seek you.” 

‘‘And yet you should have known better than to have 
disobeyed my injunctions,” continued the knight. “ If 
danger comes of this I shall blame you, Pedro. Ben Hamed 
spoke triumphantly as he rode away, and I think he had 
reason for it. Those who crossed the bridge, and came not 
with the alcalde, may have gone another way. Oh, I wished 
you had kept on ! Now haste thee. Sink yourjowels 
deeply.” 

Pedro’s horse was tired, but yet he galloped off abreast of 
the knight’s beast without faltering. 

Charles of Leon w^s moved by a fearful suspicion as he 
urged his steed onward. From what Pedro had said he 
felt sure that more horsemen had crossed the Gaudix bridge 
than had met him at the El Ajo pass. He knew, too, that 
there were many paths that led from the road he was on 
across to the Jaen highway. 

“ On ! on ! ” he cried, as the fear began to form more 
tangibly in his mind. “A thousand pistoles if we find her 
safe. Bear up your horse, Pedro.” . 

The hill was topped, and Pedro pointed out the wood 
where he had left Zehra. 

“ I see her not,” said Charles. 

“ Because she has hidden among the foliage.” 

‘ ‘ But she would surely come forth when she heard our 
coming.” 

Pedro made no reply, for he began to have misgivings in 
his own mind. At length the wood was reached, and the 
knight sprang from his horse. He called the name of 
Zehra, but he gained no answer. He pushed his way among 
the trees, but he could see no horse — no Zehra. He called 
6 


82 


THE QUEEN EE FENCE, 


again, and then he listened, but he heard nothing save the 
sighing of the breeze as it stopped to dally with the aspen 
leaves that hung above him. 

She’s not here,” he uttered, as he met Pedro at the 
further extremity of the copse. 

No,” tremblingly returned the esquire, “ she may have 
ridded on.” 

‘‘ She would not have done it alone.” 

The two men retraced their steps to where the horses 
stood. 

“’Twas here I left her,” said Pedro, and here she 
promised to remain.” 

“ Oh, if she be lost ! ” 

^‘Wait, Sir Charles. I will see if I can find the marks 
of her horse’s feet.” 

As Pedro spoke he sprang to the edge of the wood and 
sank upon his hands and knees. 

‘‘ Here are the tracks,” he said, as he moved along in a 
northerly direction. ‘‘And here she stopped,” he con- 
tinued, as he had moved along some two rods. “ San Jago ! 
but here’s another ! ” 

“Another what? ” cried Charles, springing to the spot. 

“ The tracks of another horse. And another, too? And 
yet another ! Oh, do not curse me, my master — do not. 
But she’s gone ! ” 

“ Gone ! ” echoed Charles, in tones of such keen an- 
guish that his esquire started with new affright. “God de- 
fend me.” 

“Oh, forgive me. Sir Charles — forgive me ! ” Pedro 
cried, as he sank upon his knees again and clasped his 
hands. 

“ I know you meant me well, Pedro.” 

“Yes. It was my love for you that overcame my judg- 
ment.” 


THE QUEEN EE FENCE. 


83 


I forgive you, Pedro. And now let us ’’ 

God of heaven ! What was that? ” 

As the esquire uttered this exclamation the knight’s no- 
ble steed reared with a loud snort, and then with one fear- 
ful plunge he sank quivering upon the turf. Charles sprang 
to the side of his horse, and found that a javelin had 
pierced his neck in an angular direction and entered the 
vitals. 

We are surrounded ! ” shouted Pedro. Mount my 
horse and flee.” 

Charles of Leon made no reply, but drawing his sword 
he turned toward the direction from whence the javelin 
must have been thrown, and he saw a inan at a short dis- 
tance off, while several horsemen were coming around the 
eastern sweep of the hill he had passed. There were nearly 
a score of them soon in sight, and he who had thrown the 
javelin called loudly for them to hasten up. 

‘‘ Mount my horse and flee,” cried Pedro. “ We can 
not give them battle.” 

“ One of us must be left to fight,” calmly returned the 
knight. 

Will you not mount ? ” 

^‘No.” 

** Then I will. Don’t fight them, Sir Charles, but sur- 
render.” 

As Pedro spoke he leaped into his saddle, and putting 
spurs to his horse he dashed off through the little wood. 

The Moors leaped their horses into the road a moment 
afterward, and surrounded the Chistian knight. 

‘ ‘ Never mind the servant, ’ ' cried one who seemed to be 
the Moslem leader. “ Let him go. This is the man we 
want. Surrender, thou Christian dog! Down with that 
sword of thine ! ” 

Charles of Leon hesitated. His sword was anxious for 


84 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE. 


work, but the odds were too fearful. He on foot against a 
score of armed men and mounted — it was madness. With 
a heavy heart he thrust his sword back into its scabbard , 
and folded his arms across his breast. 

Where is the maiden?” he instinctively asked, as 
half a dozen of the Moors laid their hands on him. 

‘^She is safe. By Allah, but you must have thought 
Granada a citv of dolts, if you expected to get clear with 
such a prize.” 

Charles felt sure that Zehra was in custody, and he felt 
for the time that he would rather be a prisoner than be free. 
With the hope that ardent desire sometimes inspires, the 
Christian looked ahead to victory yet. The light of his 
vision must have been an emanation from his own imagina- 
tion, for no circumstances about him could have aided him 
to his hope. 

After the knight’s hands had been secured, a horse was 
led up on which to mount him, and at the first glance he 
recognized the light Arabian he had bought for Zehra. He 
was placed upon the animal’s back, then secured in his seat, 
and in a few moments more the whole party were mounted. 
Several of the Moors still persisted in pursuing Pedro, but 
their leader said no. 

^‘Let the coward go; we want nothing of him worth 
the trouble of getting him. By my faith. Sir Christian, 
your man shows but little love for you, thus to gallop off 
and leave you alone.” 

Charles remained silent beneath the taunt, for he could 
not help the thinking for himself that Pedro had acted the 
coward. But other thoughts of more moment forced them- 
selves on the mind, and he grew more dejected. 

It was evident to our hero that the party that had cap- 
tured him had kept the Jean road from the bridge, and 
crossed over beyond the wood to the way they were now in. 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE. 85 

This had been his fear when he met Pedro at the El Ajo 
pass. 

The Moors, with their prisoner, passed over the hill and 
took their way back as Charles had come. At the top of 
the elevation the knight looked down, and at the foot he 
saw a small party of horsemen waiting. With one of them 
he saw a female. He knew it was Zehra, and at that mo- 
ment he would have drawn his sword against the host that 
surrounded him, but the bands pressed hard upon his 
wrists, and he could only groan in his anguish. 

When the captors of the knight reached the foot of the 
hill, their leader called for the other party — only three in 
number — to ride on ahead. Charles could see Zebra’s pale 
features, and from the manner in which she reclined upon 
the stout form of the man with whom she rode she seemed 
to have fainted. 

By the great God of heaven, Granada shall tremble for 
this ! ” uttered Charles, as Zehra was lost to his sight. 

The Moslem leader only laughed. 

Your city shall smoke in ruins, and your blood .shall 
flow like water.” 

“ Will you do all this ! ” 

‘‘Leon and Castile shall do it.” 

“Pi?// will not tell them the tale ! ” said the Moor. 

Charles knew the meaning of these words, but he felt not 
the dread that might have been expected, for he could not 
believe that Mohammed would dare to kill him. He did 
not kfK)w the Moslem king. 

When those who rode ahead reached the El Ajo pass they 
stopped. The others soon came up, and not a little as- 
tonishment was expressed at the sight of the three dead 
Moors. 

“What is this?” cried the chief, as he bent over his 
saddle-bow and gazed down upon the corpses. 


86 


THE QUEEN REVENGE. 


That is the mark of my hand,” said Charles. 

But Ben Hamed is not here.” 

‘‘No — sent him back to Granada to get back the blood 
he lost. I gave him his pitiful life, and I spared him a 
companion, too.” 

The Moor gazed a moment into the face of the Christian, 
and then he said, while he gathered his reins : 

“The vultures of Alpuj arras shall have one meal from 
Christian flesh ! ” 

Charles of Leon shuddered, but soon he was calm again, 
and defiance rested on his brow. 

The Moslem dead were left where they lay, and again the 
party set forward. Zehra was borne on in advance, as be- 
fore, while the Christian knight was surrounded more 
closely by his captors. 


CHAPTER XII. 

THE MEETING IN PRISON. 

“There’s more in your bosom than you will confess, 
but, by Allah, it shall be dragged from you ! 

This was spoken by Mohammed, as the Christian knight 
of Leon stood bound before him. At a short distance Ben 
Hamed stood, supported by two attendants. He was weak 
from pain and the loss of blood, but his soul seemed strong 
with deadly passion. 

“ You had better beware how you carry out your threats,” 
was the Christian’s answer. “ I have nothing to tell you 
save that which you know.” 

“ And I know enough to cause the death of a score like 
you. By the sword of the Prophet, Christian cur, your 
head is not worth the half of revenge I owe you. Three of 


THE QUEEN EE FENCE. S; 

my knights lie dead by your hand, and you would have 
snatched away my bride. Away with him to prison ! ” 

Not yet, sire,” interposed Ben Hamed. Let the dog 
die now.” 

** Away with him to prison. He shall die soon enough.” 

** Let it be now,” urged the alcalde. “ He is dangerous 
while alive.” 

“ No,” thundered the king, springing from his seat and 
striking his hands together. “ His death shall grace my 
nuptial day and then your fair daughter shall see his gory 
head ! I’ll make her a present of it, and if she loves him 
as she seems, ’twill be a right glorious nuptial present. 
Away with him, and bid Tarik that he look well to his 
safety.” 

The chords that bound the Christian knight were strong, 
but they came nigh bursting while the king spoke. The 
young man felt his temples throb and his throat swell, but 
he had no power of utterance. The king’s officers took 
him by the arm to lead him away, and without a word he 
turned from the royal presence. 

In an hour from that time Charles of Leon was delivered 
up at the prison of Granada. Tarik, the jailor, received 
him from the hands of the officers and took him away. It 
was not a subterranean dungeon to which. Charles was con- 
ducted, but a strong, vaulted room on the second floor of 
the prison. The walls were of solid stone — so were the 
floor and the vaulted roof. It was early morning and the 
light came in through a small loop-hole situated some eight 
feet from the floor. 

In the centre of the room there was a stone bench, and 
near it a stout iron bolt. An attendant had followed Tarik 
with chains, and ere long our hero was so securely fastened 
by a shackle upon each ankle, to which was affixed a chain 
that was bolted to the ring in the pavement. Manacles 


88 


THE QUEEN REVENGE, 


were placed upon the knight’s wrists, and when all was 
completed Tarik sent his assistant away. 

“You’ve fallen into rough hands, sir knight,” said the 
jailor, as he arose from his work. 

Charles looked upon the stout form of the old man — for 
the jailor was old — and a painful shadow flitted across his 
face. 

“I do not mean that I am rough,” Tarik added, 
“ though my calling is not by any means a gentle one ; but 
I think the king means you little good.” 

“ The king will not dare to take my life,” uttered the 
knight. 

“ Don’t be too sure of that. I have had younger men 
than yourself come here by the king’s orders, and ” 

“ Go on,” said Charles. 

“ They never went forth to the world again.” 

The young Christian shuddered. 

“ My orders with regard to yourself are not very strict, 
save that my own life is in peril for your safe keeping. If 
you want any delicacies, and have the means to purchase 
them, you can be gratified.” 

“lam thankful for your kindness, but I know of nothihg 
now that I wish which it is in your power to give.” 

“ How is it with your food ? ” 

“ Give me the best you can. I have money to pay for 
it. I may not have long to live, but let me live well while 
life lasts.” 

“ You shall be gratified,” said Tarik, and then he turned 
and left the room, locking the heavy door after him. 

Charles of Leon was alone in a Moorish prison ! The 
dread sentence of death, pronounced by a remorseless ty- 
rant, hung over him ! A stout heart can be made to trem- 
ble in chains, and a proud spirit can be quailed in a strong 
dungeon. What ray of hope was there for the Christian ? 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE. 


89 

Only such as every strong man feels while life lasts — a hope 
in chance. Of one thing Charles felt assured j and that 
was, that the jailor was a kind-hearted man, and this single 
circumstance gave him some balm for his misery. 

The day passed, and Charles had food brought to him 
twice. It was of a quality as he could have desired, though 
the man who brought it had no word to say with regard to 
payment. 

On the next morning, as Charles of Leon was eating the 
meal that had been brought to him, the door of his prison 
was opened. 

‘‘ Go in,” said Tarik, but remember you will only have 
. half an hour.” 

Charles looked up as a stranger entered the cell. 

“ Charles of Leon, this is a strange meeting.” 

Abdalla ! ” uttered the knight, rising to his feet. 

“Yes, Christian, you see me now as I feared we both 
should be. These irons are less heavy than stout armor, 
but not so beautiful to the eye.” 

The Moor was manacled and his ankles were chained to- 
gether, but yet he could shuffle along very slowly without 
much difficulty. 

“ What brings you here?” asked Charles. 

“ The same that brought you here — the king.” 

“ But wherefore ? ” 

“That I cannot so readily tell. Officers have been 
watching me for a long time. Perhaps Mohammed fears 
me. ’ ’ 

“ When were you brought ? ” 

“ Do you remember when last I saw you in the street? ” 

“ Yes? ” 

“ Before the sun rose again I was a prisoner.” 

“ But have you committed no crime? ” 

“ Not more than you have.” 


90 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE,^ 


** You are a rebel, perhaps.” 

Aha ! Yes — I have rebelled, and there’s rebellion in 
my heart now. But tell me of Zehra. Is she in the power 
of Mohammed?” 

Charles started, and raised his manacled hands to his 
brow. 

“ Yes, yes,” he uttered, as he sank down upon his seat. 

“ Not in the palace yet? Not yet his wife? ” cried Ab- 
dalla. 

‘<No; but yet in his power. Ben Hamed keeps her 
yet.” 

When will Mohammed take her to himself? ” 

The knight gazed sadly up into the Moor’s face ; his lip 
quivered as he replied : 

“ I only know that on the day that sees Zehra the wife 
of Mohammed I am to die.” 

Ah!” 

“ Yes. So the king hath said.” 

For some moments Abdalla stood in a thoughtful silence, 
and Charles could see that there was painful thought at 
work in his bosom. At length he said : 

‘‘ If you die not till then, I fear you will suffer more 
than death.” 

The knight looked puzzled. 

‘‘ In such a case,” continued the Moor, I think you 
will be doomed to drag out an eternal existence on this 
weary earth.” 

‘‘What meaning have you now? ” Charles exclaimed, 
springing again to his feet, and reaching his hand toward 
the Moor. 

“My meaning is plain,” returned Abdalla. “ Zehra is 
not likely to become the wife of the king. Do not look 
surprised. I sought you now to know if she had been 
brought back, and though you tell me she has, and that 


THE QUEEN REVENGE. 


91 


Mohammed means to make her his wife, yet I feel assured 
that such will never be the case. I think the maiden her- 
self will resist, and I know that Emina will not be easily 
overcome.” 

“ It can make but little diiference to me,” said Charles. 

“ Of course I could die happier if I knew that Zehra 
would be free from the tyrant’s power ; but I must die at 
all events. ’ ’ 

“ You are not dead yet, and something tells me that if 
you die by Mohammed’s hand, I shall keep you company. 
Yet I have a hope of life, and the same ground that founds 
my hope may found a ground for you.” 

The Christian knight looked into the face of the Moor, 
and the more he looked the more he became puzzled. For 
the time he forgot the prison he was in, and the doom that 
hung over him. 

“ Abdalla,” he said, as he once more sat down upon his 
stone bench, tell me who and what you are.” 

“ I am a prisoner like yourself.” 

But I would know more than that.” 

I have no more to tell.” 

You trifle with me.” 

I should trifle with myself, were I to tell you more. I 
am under knightly oath to keep all you have not already 
heard.” 

“ Then tell me the ground of your hope of escape.” 

‘‘ Even there you must let me hope for you. Think me 
not unkind, Charles of Leon, but I cannot tell you more. 
'Tis strange our destinies should thus run together. You a 
Christian — and I a Moor. Yet, sir knight, that gentle 
maiden — the fair Zehra — unwittingly holds both our des- 
tinies in her hands.” 

Hold, Moor,” uttered Charles, as Abdalla moved as if 
to turn away, “ you are some kin of Zebra’s.” 


92 


THE QUEEN'S EEVENGE. 


‘‘ She is a Christian by birth.” 

“ I know it.” 

“ I am a Moor.” 

Charles of Leon looked half doubtingly upon his com- 
panion. 

What part of my assertion puzzles you ? ” asked Ab- 
dalla, with a smile. 

‘ ‘ That you are a Moor. ’ ’ 

“ Ah ! And where runs your suspicions now? ” 

“ I know not, but yet I doubt if you be a Moor.” 

“ Do not my form and features show it ? ” 

Forms and features are accommodating.” 

“ But my complexion.” 

“ I have seen you disguised.” 

That was to escape detection. I, too, have seen you 
disguised.” 

Only in garb.” 

Abdalla smiled. 

At this moment Tarik opened the door. 

Abdalla, your time is up.” 

“ Take courage,” whispered the Moor. If I live you 
shall live, too — provided Mohammed does not change his 
mind and put you to the block before his marriage.” 

“ Come,” repeated Tarik. 

Again Charles of Leon was left alone ; but he had more 
food for reflection than before. He did really doubt 
whether the strange man who had just left him was a Moor. 
But what that doubt entertained he was no nearer to a solu- 
tion than before. He had only tangled the intricate web 
into a knot more tenacious than ever, and he had to satisfy 
himself to let circumstances untie it. 


THE QUEEN REVENGE, 


93 


CHAPTER XIII. 

THE heart’s sacrifice. 

Days had been passing away, and a week had elapsed 
since Zehra was arrested in her flight and brought back to 
the house of Ben Hamed. She had been sick, very sick, 
and at times she had almost lost herself in the delirium of 
her misery and disappointment. It was well for the maiden 
that she had seen one whom she had really loved, or her 
own hand might have put a stop to the tide of earthly af- 
fairs ; but the love that had been kindled in her bosom had 
left a spark of light, so the darkness was not so utter as be- 
fore. That generous spark gave her life, and while all else 
of earth was gloomy and unpromising, she could turn to 
that and feel that even for her there might be somewhat of joy 
— ^joy in memory if in nothing else. She had loved, and 
she had been loved in return. Her heart had entered upon 
its gentle mission, the flowers of her soul’s affections had 
richly blossomed, and though they might now be crushed 
by the foot of tyranny, yet they shed a fragrance for her. 
Her sorrow was as deep as before, but not so bitter ; she 
had a joy mingled in her life-cup. 

Ben Hamed entered her room and ordered the attendant 
to withdraw. He was still weak from the effects of the 
wounds he had received at the hands of the Christian 
knight, and his countenance showed that he had endured 
much suffering. 

‘‘Zehra,” he said, as he sank down upon the ottoman, 
“ your strange freak of disobedience had well nigh caused 
the death of both of us ; but I can almost forgive you 
since I know that the Christian seduced you away.” 


94 


THE QUEEN'S EE FENCE. 


“ Lay not the charge to him,” uttered the maiden, with 
much energy. ‘‘It was no work of his. If you would 
attach blame to the act, then know that the blame is mine. 
Charles of Leon would only have saved me ” 

“Stop, Zehra. Let not the king hear you speak thus, 
for I have assured him that by false words and foul devices 
the Christian did beguile thee. The king is willing to be- 
lieve this out of his love for thee, and woe be to you and 
me if he learns to the contrary.” 

“ Why should you tell Mohammed this ? ” 

“For your own good. You are not yet wholly lost, for 
the king can yet be kind to thee, if you but cross him 
not again ; and he believes not that you have been wil- 
lingly false to him.” 

‘ ‘ False to hwi ! O, wretchedness ! Why not accuse 
me of being false to Mahound’s satan ! ” 

Ben Hamed started back aghast. 

“ Zehra,” he said, “your brain is turned. This speech 
comes not from thyself.” 

“ It comes from what you have made me. I mean no 
disrespect to the prophet.” 

“ But you mean disrespect to the king.” 

“Yes; for I loathe him.” 

“Let him not know of it. Beware how you breathe 
such a thought of him. He will not brook it. O, curse 
the day that brought die Christian dog to Granada. But 
he shall rue it, though.” 

“You would not dare to harm him.^^ 

“Whom?” 

“ Charles of Leon.” 

“ Not dare? He dies the death ! ” 

“ O, no ! no ! ” 

“ He does.” 

“ No ! no ! He shall not die ! ” 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE. 


95 


Mohammed has sworn it.’ 

Zehra started to her feet, and gazed wildly into Ben 
Hamed’s face. 

<‘Do you mean this thing?” she uttered, in a hoarse 
whisper. << Do you mean that the king will kill Charles 
of Leon?” 

“Yes.” 

“Then listen.” The maiden raised herself to her full 
height, and ' gazed steadily upon the alcalde. Her eyes 
burned with an intense fire, and her every feature told of 
the fearful struggle that was working within. “Listen,” 
she said. “If Charles of Leon dies by order of the king, 
then I, too, will bid farewell to earth ! Tell the king this; 
and tell him, too, that Zehra will not fail in her promise.” 

Ben Hamed was awe-struck by the appearance of the 
noble-hearted girl. He could not comprehend the soul 
that gave birth to such a spirit, but yet he could not en- 
tirely escape its magic power. 

“You are surely wild,” he at length said; but he spoke 
half unconsciously as he still gazed upon the girl. 

“I am calm, Ben Hamed — calm. As calm as the fear- 
ful stillness that follows the dread quaking of earth after 
cities have been swallowed up by the gaping fiend ! ” < 

Ben Hamed instinctively moved further away from the 
speaker. Her eyes seemed to burn him, and he trembled 
as he met her look. 

“ Go tell this to Mohammed ; and then tell him that his 
people will love him better when they have gazed upon the 
cold corpses of his victims.” 

“Hush, my child. Go seek your rest. Your sufferings 
have made you mad. Mohammed shall wait till you are 
better. Go to your couch.” 

“Ben Hamed, you mistake me. I am not mad, but I 
speak soberly, and as I feel.” 


96 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE. 


‘‘Hush. Sit down, Zehra. I know you are wild and 
unconscious. You will be better ere long.” 

“ Ah, sir, you know me not. There is no frenzy here — 
naught but earnest truth.” 

“I’ll not believe it. You would not throw away your 
life. It is not natural for one to whom the future holds out 
such inducements.” 

Zehra covered her face with her hands, and sank back 
upon her seat. She knew that she could die with her 
Christian lover; but when the thought came upon her of 
how much happier she could be to live with him on earth, 
she felt a degree of sadness that overcame her. 

“I will tell Mohammed to wait,” added Ben Hamed. 
“I will tell him that you are ill.” 

“ Wait ! ” repeated Zehra. 

“Yes, for he his anxious about you.” 

“ And how is he anxious? ” the maiden asked, in a low, 
whispering tone. 

“ For your welfare.” 

“ He wants me at the Alhambra.” 

“Yes, as soon as you are well.” 

“ Then Heaven grant that health may never know me 
again on earth.” 

“That i^ a foolish prayer, for you are nearly well now.” 

“ And Mohammed means to make me his wife as soon as 
possible?” 

“Yes. Your own conduct has made him so resolve.” 

“Ben Hammed,” asked Zehra, in a deep, nervous whis- 
per, “when does the king mean to put the Christian to 
death?” 

“ Not until after his nuptials.” 

“ Are you sure of this ? ” 

The alcalde hesitated. Thought flashed upon him that 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE. 


97 

he might now deceive Zehra, and bend her more easily to 
his wishes. 

‘‘I will tell you a secret, Zehra. The king will hold 
Charles of Leon until you are his wife, and then, if you 
please him by your conduct, he will let the Christian go ; 
but if you are stubborn the knight dies. ’ ’ 

“You are deceiving me.” 

“ No. In truth I am not. Such is the king’s determina- 
tion. So it lays in your power to destroy or free the 
Christian.” 

Zehra looked earnestly upon Ben Hamed, but she could 
read nothing in his countenance. The thing was not im- 
possible, and she could not think that, with all his hardness 
of heart, the alcalde would lie to her in this. 

“I would not hasten you beyond your strength,” con- 
tinued Ben Hamed, with consummate art, “ but the king is 
anxious, and though his anger toward the Christian may 
slumber now, it only slumbers beneath the power of his 
love for you. Should he find you obstinate, you know 
what would be the result. This is the truth. Your own 
heart must guide you now. If the Christian is- an innocent 
man, it lies in your power to save him. But I need tell 
you no more.” 

“ When does Mohammed wish me for his wife? ” 

Now — as soon as possible.” 

“ And the Christian, where is he?” 

“ In prison.” 

“ O, if you deceive me in this, may the pains of torture 
be ever yours. May you never again know rest or taste the 
sweets of life.” 

“ I cannot deceive you thus.” 

Ben Hamed. spoke with a steady, firm voice, though his 
eyes fell beneath the gaze of the being he was deceiv- 
ing. 


7 


98 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE, 


“ I will go ! ” 

Zehra spoke and sank back upon her couch. Those sim- 
ple words had required the whole power of her soul in their 
utterance, and when they • were spoken she could say no 
more. Ben Haraed stood over her and assured her that she 
should not go until she was wholly recovered ; but she 
heeded him not. He spoke words that he meant for com- 
fort, but she knew not what he said. He asked her to be 
calm, but she answered only with tears and groans. 

When Zehra was alone she arose to her feet and pressed 
her hands upon her bosom. Her face was white as marble, 
and even the veins seemed to have lost their purple 
flood. 

O, Charles of Leon, to save thee I will make the sacri- 
fice. I will not die. I will live ; and even while I feel the 
serpent coil his loathsome folds about me I will be happy 
with the thought that I am saving thee. O, ’tis a cruel fate 
for us both ; but thou shalt live, and I will joy in thy free- 
dom. We may never meet again but in heaven.’’ 

The unhappy girl’s hands fell to her side, and then, as 
they convulsively met upon her marble brow, she sank 
down upon the ottoman where Ben Hamed had sat, and she 
murmured the name of him she would save. 


CHAPTER XIV. 

AN UNLOOKED-FOR EXCHANGE. 

The knight of Leon had seen a week of dull monotony 
in his Granadan prison. He had asked the man who 
brought him his food how long he was to remain there, 
and he had asked Tarik, too, but he gained no answer to 
his inquiry save that of ignorance. 


THE QUEEN REVENGE, 


99 


Tarik was sitting alone in his office, a small room in the 
lower story of the prison, early in the morning, when he 
was awakened from his meditations by the entrance of an 
old dervish. The old man’s brow was wrinkled and 
weather-beaten, and his unshorn face bore a wild luxuri- 
ance of white beard. He stooped in his gait, and his 
trembling hands bore a steel-pointed staff, with which he 
aided his weak steps. 

A blessing upon thee, son ! ” pronounced the dervish, 
as he leaned heavily upon his staff. 

“ I thank thee,” returned Tarik, with a feeling of rever- 
ence. 

Jailor, you have a prisoner here whom I would 
see.” 

^*His name ? ” 

He is a Christian, but I know not his name, nor do I 
know whence he comes; but I hear he is a brave man, and 
one well read in the science of the world. Such a Chris- 
tian I have longed to see. I would converse with him upon 
his religion.” 

“ And suppose he should make a Christian of you? ” 

Allah forbid ! ” uttered the dervish, with holy horror. 
^ ‘ I will sooner bring him to the fold of the faithful. ’ ’ 

know not that I should do wrong to let you go to 

him.” 

“ Allah forbid that you should overstep your duty at my 
behest. If it would be wrong, let me go unsatisfied away ; 
but if it would be right, I would see him. Perhaps ’tis not 
his fault that he is an infidel, and glory be to Allah and his 
Prophet if one like him shall be converted. Shall I go ? ” 

“ I cannot refuse you.” 

Thanks, good jailor.” 

Give me your arm and I will lead you.” 

No. Lead the way and I will follow. Old age has 


100 ■ THE QUEEN^S REVENGE. 

not yet unmanned me, though the hand of time bears heav- 
ily upon me.” 

Tarik looked kindly upon the old man, and turning to- 
ward a heavy door that opened into the prison he bade him 
follow. 

‘‘Whence comes the Christian?” asked the dervish, as 
he worked his way slowly up the stone stairs that led to the 
second story of the prison. 

“ From Leon,” returned Tarik. 

“ And his nane? ” 

“Charles, Count of Valladolid.” 

“A goodly title he hath. Is he so brave as I have 
heard ? ” 

“ Too brave to be at large in Granada. Here is the door. 
Go in, and I will call for you when your stay has been rea- 
sonable.” 

Tarik opened the door as he spoke, and merely looking 
in to see that all was right, he closed it again after the der- 
vish had passed through. 

Charles looked up, and he wondered as he saw his strange 
visitor. 

“Allah bless and serve thee ! ” uttered the dervish. 

The knight made no reply. 

“ They tell me thou art a brave knight. Ah, I see the 
fire in thine eyes now. I have come to save thee.” 

“ To save me ! ” echoed Charles, starting up from his 
seat. 

“ From the pains of the unbeliever in the world to come. 
I will teach thee of our Holy Prophet.” 

“ Cease, old man. Go your way,” said the knight, sink- 
ing back upon his seat. “ I want none of your religion. I 
have already seen enough of it to make me loathe it. It 
may do for those whose minds can never get above the trash 
of selfishness, but I want none of it.” 


THE QUEEN REVENGE, lOl 

‘‘ Bravely spoken ! By San Dominic, Sir Charles, but 
you speak wonderful well.” 

“ Pedro ! ” uttered the knight, starting to his feet, while 
his heart leaped wildly in his bosom. 

Pedro Bambino, at your service,” returned the faithful 
esquire, as he shook himself out of his bent position and 
cut a variety of fantastic movements. 

‘‘ God bless thee ! I would press thee to my bosom, but 
you see I cannot. I had mistaken you, Pedro ; for I sus- 
pected you of cowardice.” 

‘ ^ No, no — there is none of that in Pedro Bambino. I 
saw the state of things, and knew I could be of more use 
to you as I now am than were I lodged in prison.” 

“ I see it all now. But your disguise, my faithful fellow ; 
how gained you such a victory over yourself? ” 

This dress — this beard — this staff, and a judicious 
touch of paint by way of wrinkles, did it all. But there is 
no time to lose. It will all fit you.” 

Fit me, Pedro ? ”■ 

Yes ; and I have paint, too, for the wrinkles.” 

Do you mean that you have come to change places with 
me?” 

Most assuredly. For what else should I come? You 
shall go and I will stay.” 

“ No, Pedro — I cannot do that.” 

‘^But you must.” 

“ I cannot. I love you for your kindness, but I cannot 
accept the sacrifice you would make.” 

“Nonsense! Do you know that they mean to kill 
you ? ’ ’ 

“>So they have threatened, but I do not believe they will 
dare to do it. ’ ’ 

“ Let your mind be easy on that point, for I know they 
will dare to do it, and I think they have set a no very dis- 


102 


THE QUEEN EE FENCE. 


taut day for the deed. You have commanded me as you 
pleased, and I have obeyed j now I am going to command, 
and you must obey.” 

Do you suppose, Pedro, that I should feel a man among 
men were I to let you die for me ? How should I tell the 
tale — that I feared a death that you boldly met for me ? ” 

No, no; they will not kill me. I am not afraid to 
die ; but I know I shall not die if you leave me here. It is 
not me they want.” 

^ ‘ Nevertheless they will be revenged on you, if they find 
you here.” 

No ; I will tell them such a story as will prevent it. I 
will tell them that you made me do this ; that I only came 
to bid you farewell, and that you made me stop in your 
place.” 

‘‘ Ah, that would be a flimsy tale.” 

‘ ‘ Then I will tell them something else. At any rate, you 
know I shall stand a better chance than you will, for you 
the king has determined to kill.” 

“ No, Pedro.” 

‘ ‘ Remember your friends in happy Leon ; remember 
that old woman whom you call mother, and that bright- 
eyed, happy creature who calls you brother ; and remem- 
ber ” 

Stop, Pedro.” 

“ Remember the sweet maid the Moors tore from you.” 

She is lost.” 

Not yet, my master. She is not yet with the king ; 
but she will be if you remain here.” 

^ ‘ I ought not to leave you here. ’ ’ 

“ Every principle of right and duty tells to the contrary. 
Zehra is yet with Ben Hamed ; she has been sick. The 
king only awaits her recovery. Come, my master.” 

But my irons.” 


THE QUEEN'S EE FENCE. 


103 

I have the means to cast them off. Come, hasten, be- 
fore the jailor returns.” 

Can I do this? ” 

“ Shall I go alone to Leon and tell your poor old 
mother — ” 

‘‘ Stop, stop, Pedro. You have conquered. I will obey 
you.” 

Bless you, bless you, my master. I am happy now.” 

As the faithful man thus spoke, he threw his arms about 
the neck of the knight and blessed him again. 

^‘Let us haste, now,” he uttered, as he drew forth a 
small package from his bosom. “There is no time to 
lose.” 

Pedro had provided himself with all the necessary im- 
plements for the accomplishment he had in view, and he 
set to work upon his master’s irons in a manner that proved 
him to understand the business. ’The manacles were first 
taken from the wrists, and then the shackles fell from the 
feet. Nothing was broken, but the parts were all left so 
that they could be put together again as before. 

“ Now for a change of dress, ” said the honest esquire. 
“ Haste thee, my master ! San Jago, but the dervish will 
become you well.” 

Charles of Leon proceeded to divest himself of his gar- 
ments, but it was done with a slowness that showed he was 
not wholly satisfied to leave his servant behind. 

“ My garments will be too long for you, Pedro.” 

“No; I shall sit me quietly down when the jailor 
comes.” 

“ But Tarik will notice that I am taller than you were.” 

“ No, he won’t. You can bend yourself up till you will 
be as short as I was. Here, on with this gown. There ! 
You look like another person already. Now for this wig 
and beard, and then I’ll paint the wrinkles for you.” 


104 


THE QUEEN EE FENCE. 


~ As soon as the knight was thus metamorphosed, Pedro 
drew a piece of paint and a pencil from his bosom, and 
placed the age marks upon his master’s brow in such a man- 
ner as to defy detection except upon the closest scrutiny. 
When this was done he called for the knight to help him on 
with the irons. 

Oh, Pedro, I cannot do this,” uttered Charles, as he 
lifted the heavy shackles in his hand. Give me back my 
dress and I will myself remain.” 

Help me on with the irons, I say. This is no time for 
dallying. The jailor may come and find us in the midst of 
our work, and then we should both be in for it. Quick, 
Sir Charles ; there is no time to lose.” 

The knight obeyed, but it was reluctantly. Pedro, how- 
ever, was all assurance. He showed no fear, but seemed to 
be made really happy by what he was doing. 

“There; now all is done,” said he, as he rattled his 
chains and sat down upon the stone bench. “ San Domi- 
nic, Sir Charles, but these fit me better than they did you ; 
and you make a graver looking dervish than I did ; upon 
my faith you do.” 

Charles gazed into the face of his esquire with a look of 
tearful gratitude, but he was too full of feeling to speak. 

“ Do not fear for me,” Pedro continued. “ I feel sure 
that no harm will come to me. Some way will be opened 
for my escape from this place.” 

“ I fear that is beyond hope, Pedro.” 

“ I think not. I have all the implements necessary to 
freeing myself, and I marked well the walls as I came in. 
Tarik places more confidence upon these stout irons than he 
does upon the security of his dui^eons ; and well he may, 
for no one, unaided, could overcome them. Now, if you 
get clear, which way shall you move ? ” 

“ I know not.” 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE. 105 

“ Let it be directly for saint Lorenzo, and if I escape I 
will join you there.” 

But Zebra ! I cannot leave her, Pedro.” 

‘‘She is now beyond our reach. For life’s sake. Sir 
Charles, do not think of escaping with her. I know your 
feelings, but something must be sacrificed. If you make an 
attempt to reach her it may be the worse for both of you.” 

“ Oh, I cannot leave her, Pedro.” 

“ But you must. Do not throw away the life you may 
gain.” 

“Heaven knows I should almost ” 

“ Hush ! Here comes the jailor. Now on to Saint Lo- 
renzo. Wait for me there, and perhaps I may overtake you. 
There, God bless you, my master, and- if we never meet 
again, you will not foget poor Pedro Bambino.” 

Charles of Leon pressed the hand of his faithful servant, 
but tears alone spoke his thoughts. 

“Mind and let your voice tremble as mine did. Bear up, 
now. Courage.” 

The door opened as Pedro spoke, and Tarik entered. 

“Yes,” returned Charles. 

“ 1 can almost love your Prophet ; but yet I think I shall 
die a Christian,” said Pedro, imitating the voice of his 
master. 

Charles of Leon placed his trembling hand upon the 
head of his follower, and there it rested for a single mo- 
ment. Then he turned silently away, and bending low 
down, as if with physical infirmities, he followed Tarik 
from the dungeon. 

In the office the dervish was requested to sit down and 
rest, but he declined. Tarik looked into his face, but he 
never mistrusted that his prisoner was hidden beneath that 
garb. Charles felt ^ new confidence as he saw that he 


I06 THE QUEEN'S EE VENUE. , 

passed so easily, and with a^ kind blessing upon the jailor, 
he stepped into the street. 

For several moments the knight stood and reflected 
upon the course he should pursue. His heart turned toward 
the dwelling of Ben Hamed, but his head said Saint 
Lorenzo.” When he ’ moved on, however, it was toward 
the Darro, but he had decided upon no ultimate course. 


CHAPTER XV. 

THINGS LOOK DARK. 

‘^Well,” uttered Pedro Bambino, as soon as he was 
safely alone, ‘ ‘ here I am. I know my master well. Now, 
had I told him / meant to have escaped when first I en- 
tered, he wouldn’t have given up his chains. No ; he’d 
have wanted my tools to- make his own escape ; but I knew 
him better. Sir Charles is a wonderful man with open fight, 
but he’s too hot by far for scheming. Now let us look. 
San Dominic, I think that hole will let this body of mine 
easily through if I can but get that bar out of the way. 
But easy, Pedro, you’ve been in prison before this. The 
Frenchman makes stronger places than this, but I’ve 
seen you make your way through them ere this. It must be 
a strong place that holds Pedro Bambino against his will.” 

The day passed slowly away ; dinner and supper were 
brought to the prisoner, but the exchange that had taken 
place was not noticed. As soon as it was dark Pedro com- 
menced his operations. The irons he easily removed from 
his feet and hands, and then he produced a simple appa- 
ratus by which he struck a light on the prepared wick of a 
small waxen taper. From the bundle he had concealed in 
his bosom he drew forth a variety of implements that were 
the inventions of his own genius. 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE. 


107 


First he produced a stout steel hook, or crow-bill,” to 
which was affixed a long wire that was worked into loops at 
short distances apart. This hook Pedro skillfully threw 
over the sill of the small window, and it fixed itself securely 
on the outer corner of the stone. He then produced a 
sharp, small, file-like saw, and after some perseverance he 
succeeded in removing the iron bar. The way was now 
open, and gathering his implements together, Pedro tied 
them up and placed them in his bosom, all excepting the 
hook and looped wire. 

Beneath the dervish’s garb the esquire had worn a scanty 
Moorish costume — a sort off harlequin’s dress — and ere he 
left the cell he threw off the clothing of his master. Then 
he blew out his taper and ascended to the sill of the window. 
He listened, but he heard no sound of any one below, and 
removing his hook from the opposite side of the sill he let 
the wire fall upon the outside, and then descended to the 
basement of the prison yard. His hook he then jerked 
away from its hold, and by its means he scaled the outer 
wall. No sentry interrupted him, nor did he see anyone on 
his way. As he found himself safe without the prison 
walls he folded his simple wire ladder together, and then 
moved quickly away. 

Free ! free ! ’ ’ ejaculated Pedro, as he got at a respecta- 
ble distance from the Moorish prison. < ‘ Now, God grant 
that I may overtake my master. I do not think he would 
have remained in the city.” 

Thus murmuring to himself, Pedro made his way toward 
the northern gates. No objection was made to his passing 
out, and his heart was lighter when he found himself with- 
out the city; but he felt not safe while within sight of the 
Moorish capital, and with eager steps he hastened on. Be- 
fore midnight he reached the Gaudix bridge, and as he 
crossed over he stopped a moment to study upon his course. 


io8 


THE QUEEN REVENGE. 


<^The Jaen road is the shortest — the El Ajo the safest. I 
think Sir Charles would have taken the latter.” 

‘ ‘ Pedro, ’ ’ spoke a voice that seemed to come from a 
clump of low mulberries near the river. 

San Jago ! ” uttered the esquire. 

No, it’s your master, good Pedro.” 

In a moment more Charles of Leon stepped forth. He 
still wore the dervish’s dress, but he stood upright in it. It 
was too dark to distinguish countenances, but between the 
master and man there could be no mistake. 

^^God be praised that I find you safe, at all events,” 
fervently ejaculated Pedro. But why are you no further 
than this ? ” 

Ah, Pedro, ’tis hard for me to leave Granada, even 
now ; but while you were behind, the thing seemed impos- 
sible. Never was mortal so lonely as I have been to-day. 
It seemed as though the earth itself had deserted me.” 

“Well, we are together now; and now let us hasten 
on.” 

“ Pedro, I cannot go.” 

“ And why not.” 

“ Zehra.” 

“You know that is impossible.” 

“ But upon my knightly oath did I swear to bring her 
out of Granada.”' 

“And yet you know you cannot. Why throw away 
your life for nothing ? ” 

“You may go on, Pedro; but I must return. I got as 
far as here; but here my heart smote me and I stopped. 
Zehra is suffering, and I may yet save her. The thing is 
not impossible. Go on, Pedro, but I cannot.” 

The honest esquire was puzzled and deeply annoyed. 

“You will go with me,” he said at length. 

“No; I shall return to Granada.” 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE, 


109 


“ Then, Sir Charles, I shall bear you company.” 

But suppose I should forbid it? ” 

Then I shall disobey you.” 

The knight was silent. 

Listen to me for a moment, Sir Charles,” continued 
Pedro. ^‘It is madness for you to think of this thing. 
You have done all that man could do, and more than many 
would have done ; and for the present you must rest where 
you are. What would you do to return to the city now ? 
That dress you wear will betray you in a moment. You 
can gain none other, for ere morning the news will be out 
of your escape. There is not an eye in Granada that would 
not recognize you. Your first step within the gates of the 
city would be a signal for your arrest. And what can you 
do for Zehra ? Look at it, my master, and tell me if your 
further interposition would not be dangerous to her. Oh, 
can you not see that it would be worse than madness? ” 

What can I do ? ” 

‘ ‘ Keep straight on for the north, and when once there, 
perhaps King John will aid you.” 

For some moments Charles was silent. He saw, and 
was gradually compelled to confess, that Pedro spoke the 
truth. Circumstances placed it beyond his power to return 
untaken to the city of Granada, and reason overcame his 
blindness. 

“ Pedro,” he said, will go with you; O, God ! but 
the cup is a bitter one. Zehra ! Zehra ! would I could 
save thee, even at the risk of life ; but Heaven knows I 
cannot ! ” 

The esquire moved close to his master and gazed kindly 
into his face. 

** Sir Charles, there are those in Leon who love you.” 

Peace, good Pedro. You know nothing of what I suf- 


no THE QUEEN^S REVENGE. 

fer. But move on. If we go we had Better make all 
haste.” 

So we will ; and perhaps we may find horses ere long.” 

Twice Charles of Leon hesitated as though he would 
have turned back, but at length he nerved himself to the 
task, and with quick steps but a heavy heart he kept up by 
the side of his attendant. 

“ Sir Charles,” said Pedro as they entered the wood, ‘Mo 
you know I think Abdalla had something to do with your 
capture ? ” 

“ Ah ! ” uttered the knight, starting with interest at the 
sound of that name. 

“ Yes. Some one must have told of our movements, else 
how could such a party have been turned out at once after 
us? ” 

“ The alcalde had plenty of men ready at his bidding, 
and he might have detected Zebra’s escape in time to have 
given pursuit as he did.” 

“I can’t think so,” persisted Pedro. “That Moor is a 
curious man.” 

“ So he is, Pedro; but he’s safe in prison now.” 

“Eh? In prison?” 

“ Yes.” 

“ Did you see him there?” 

“Yes. The jailor allowed him to come into my apart- 
ment ; and he talked very strangely about affairs, too. ’ ’ 

“What did he say? What did he tell you?” asked 
Pedro. 

“ His whole thoughts were upon Zehra.” 

“ But would he tell you nothing himself? ” 

“ No. He only spoke of Zehra; and he said that in her 
fate he had a deep interest. He said, too, that his fate 
and my own might centre in her.” 

“ San Dominic ! ” 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE. 


Ill 


‘‘ I doubt whether he be a Moor.” 

‘ ‘ A Moor ! ’ ’ cried "^edro, stopping short beneath the 
weight of thought that had possessed him. 

I think he is not,” repeated Charles. 

“ When did he say he was imprisoned ? ” 

“ On the very night he met us in the street. Or, before 
morning, at least.” 

“ San Dominic ! ” 

“ What think you, Pedro? ” 

‘ ‘ San Dominic, my master, Abdalla is a strange man, 
but yet, I think, a Moor.” 

But do you suspect anything ? ” 

The night wind played with the thick foliage, and the 
words that Pedro spoke in reply were borne away upon its 
bosom, but the knight of Leon caught them, and he gazed 
into Pedro’s face in wonder. His own mind ran back into 
the history of the past, and he thought carefully upon what 
he had heard. An exclamation burst from his lips, and 
once more he moved on ; but it was a long time before he 
spoke to his esquire again. 


CHAPTER XVI. 

THE BLOW. 

The heavy lamps that hung in the great Court of Lions 
— the most magnificent apartment of the Alhambra — were 
half lighted, and at the head of the hall stood the Moslem 
king. He was patting his daintily slippered foot nervously 
upon the pavement, and ever and anon his left hand would 
settle with a sort of convulsive grasp upon his dagger-hilt. 
Against one of the massive marble lions leaned Ben 
Hamed. A look of anxiety was upon his features, and he 


II2 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE. 


watched the movements of the monarch with more than 
ordinary interest. Several of the royal attendants were 
standing about the place, and they, too, looked anxiously 
upon the king. 

‘‘Ah, Ben Hamed,” said Mohammed, “I think your 
fair daughter likes this Christian knight.” 

“ By Allah ! the dog needs to die ! ” 

“He must die,” ventured Ben Hamed, in an insinuat- 
ing tone. “Would you have borne such insult from a 
Moor?” 

“No!” 

“ He has slain three of our knights.” 

“ He shall ! ” 

“ And soon, too,” added the alcalde, with a look of tri- 
umph. 

“Ay,” returned the king. 

“ Why not to-night? ” Ben Hamed asked, moving nearer 
to the king and speaking in a trembling tone. 

Mohammed strode half way down the hall and back 
again. 

“Ben Hamed,” he said, stopping near the alcalde, 
“ you have some end to answer to this.” 

‘ ‘ Only such as may benefit you, sire. Allah knows I 
owe thee much.” 

“ In truth you do.” 

“And by this will I in part make the payment.” 

“ By what? ” 

“ By urging the necessity of destroying the Christian.” 

“ I have said once — he dies ! ” 

“ Thy judgment is just.” 

“ But I will have his head as a present for my bride if 
she prove restive.” 

“A Christian’s head will keep, sire.” 


THE QUEEN EEVENGE. 


II3 

**How long will it keep, think you, Ben Hamed, ere it 
will begin to go back to its native dust ? ’ ’ 

If taken off to-night it will keep till long after your 
nuptials.” 

Think ye so? ” 

Most surely.” 

' “ I have a mind to try the experiment.” 

The king had been speaking in a half-unconscious mood, 
his thoughts seeming to wander about other matters, but as 
the last sentence fell from his lips he aroused himself and 
gazed fixedly at the alcalde. 

“ By Allah,” he continued, I have a mind to try it ! ” 

Ben Hamed could not conceal his satisfaction. 

‘^Our laws make it death for the Christian who shall 
force away one of our people,” said the king, half to him- 
self. “Charles of Leon knew this, and yet he would 
snatch away my bride. Allah ! The Christian’s time has 
come. Husani Ben Abbas, go you to the prison and bid 
Tarik to take off the head of his Christian prisoner. Let 
it be done at once.” 

“ I go, sire,” returned a Moslem knight, who started up 
from one of the pedestals. 

“ Hold, Husam. Stay you and see the work performed 
— then bring me word.” 

Ben Abbas bowed assent and withdrew. 

“Now, Ben Hamed,” continued the monarch, “the 
Christain’s business is settled. On th*e day after to-morrow 
Zehra takes up her home here.” 

“ She is ready, sire.” 

“ And is she reconciled ? ” 

“She will be.” 

“ She had better.” 

“ Yet, sire, it would be well not to let her know at pres- 
ent of the Christian’s death.” 

8 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE. 


I14 


Not that she bears him any love, sire ; but you know 
the nature of one like her. ’Twould move her to misery to 
see a beast suffer. There is no need that she should know 
of this, at least for the present.” 

Well, well; I have no desire to annoy her.” 

As the king thus spoke he commenced to pace the hall. 
Ben Hamed was too lame to walk easily, so he stood and 
watched his monarch. All that he at present desired seemed 
to be accomplished, and his satisfaction manifested itself 
upon his countenance. 

Half an hour had passed away, when Husam Ben Abbas 
returned. 

You’re soon back, Ben Abbas,” said the king. “Tarik 
has been quick with his work. Upon my faith, Husam, 
does it affect you to see a man die ? ’ ’ 

“I’ve seen no one die, sire.” 

“ Ah ! so you took Tank’s word for it, I suppose ? ” 

“ There was no one to kill.” 

“ No one to kill ! I said the Christian ! I meant Charles 
of Leon ! ” 

“ Surely, sire ; but Charles of Leon is not there.” 

“ Not there ! Did Tarik tell thee so ? ” 

“He did.” 

“ Then he lies ! The Christian dog is there. Go back 
and bid the jailor that he produce him.” 

“ Sire, the prisoner has escaped.” 

“Escaped!” echoed the king, springing forward and 
seizing Ben Abbas by the arm. “Now, by the holy 
Prophet, lie not to me ! Escaped, say you ? ” 

“Yes, sire. I went with Tarik to the Christian’s dun- 
geon, but no Christian was there. The iron bar of the win- 
dow had been cut off and the prisoner was gone.” 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE. 115 

The king let go his hold upon Husam’s arm and started 
back aghast. 

Gone ! ” he uttered. Then he must have had help.” 

So he may have had. Tarik let an old dervish into 
the prison, and he thinks he may have done the mischief.” 

Go, Ben Abbas, and tell Tarik that his own life shall 
be the forfeit if the prisoner comes not back,” shouted Mo- 
hammed, as he strode nervously across the hall. Ben 
Hamed, hasten you and look to your daughter. By the 
powers of Heaven, the dog shall not escape me ! He must 
have fled to the north. Mahmoud, off with thee to the 
Alcanaza, and have the signals ready for earliest daylight. 
Let the signals be made for Jaen and El Ajo that no trav- 
eler be allowed to pass from the south. Hold ! How far 
reach our signals now? ” 

** To our northern frontier,” returned he whom the king 
had called Mahmoud. 

Then thou shalt take charge of the signals. O, Allah, 
give me back my prisoner. Let him be once more in my 
power and he lives not to escape again. Ho, there ! Where 
are my ofiicers ? ” 

At this bidding a number of attendants stepped forward 
from the marble statues and pillars. 

To horse at once ! ” shouted Mohammed. Call up 
the guard and set off. Stop at the prison and obtain from 
Tarik a description of the dervish, and then for the north. 
Spare not your beasts. Off, now. Let not a man on the 
road escape your attention.” 

The officers withdrew and the king had thought himself 
alone, when his eye fell upon a female who stood against 
one of the pillars near him. 

“ Who is there ? ” 

Your wife.” 

<‘Emina?” 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE. 


1 16 

^‘Yes.” 

“ And what seek ye ? ’* 

‘‘ My husband.” 

Then, now that you have found me, you can retire.” 

Not so fast, my lord,” returned Emina, moving a step 
toward the king. ^ * I have come to speak with thee. I 
have come once more to beg of thee that thou wilt have 
compassion on me. Mohammed, thou wilt not take to thy 
bosom another wife to take precedence of me.” 

“ Go seek thine own apartments, Emina, and leave me 
to myself.” 

“Answer me, Mohammed. I know the Christian has 
escaped, and that you will try to recapture him. Of that 
you can do as you please ; but, O, let me warn you not to 
move farther in your designs respecting Ben Hamed’s 
daughter. ’ ’ 

“ What ! would you threaten me? ” 

“ No, my lord. Only would I warn thee. There’s dan- 
ger you cannot see. Give o’er this work, let Zehra alone, 
and all shall be well with you.” 

“ Get thee gone ! Away, Emina, else it shall not be 
well with thee.” 

“ O, Mohammed, I implore thee.” 

“ Out ! I say ! ” 

“ Not until you have answered me.” 

“ Zehra shall be as I have chosen, and that, too, ere two 
more suns have rolled over us.” 

“ Then the worst be thine.” 

The king was maddened, and springing quickly forward, 
he struck Emina upon the cheek. 

“ There ! Now get thee gone ! ” he gasped. 

Emina started back as she received the blow, and she 
turned as pale as the marble that was grouped about her. 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE. 


117 

She did not speak, but with a step that was as firm as iron 
she turned from the king’s presence. 

“ Fool ! ” murmured Mohammed; and when the woman’s 
form had disappeared he sought his own couch. He did 
not think he was a fool ! 


CHAPTER XVIL 

THE SIGNAL AND THE MESSENGER. 

It was nearly daylight when Charles of Leon and his 
esquire reached the small hill where the former had been 
captured by the Moors. The east was already streaked with 
glowing red, and the stars were beginning to fade from 
sight. They reached the small wood at the foot of the 
hill and here they stopped. 

‘ ‘ Now throw off your wig and beard and cast away that 
robe,” said Pedro, ‘‘for should those come after us who 
would trace our steps, such marks would surely betray us. ’ ’ 

“I had thought of that myself,” returned the knight. 
“O, if I only had my good sword.” 

“ Never, mind ; we have stout daggers, and we may find 
swords on the road.” 

“ Perhaps so ; but horses come first,” said Charles, as he 
threw off his robe. 

“ We may find them at Xejal. That is not over a league 
from here and there we will obtain food and rest.” 

“ And even there we cannot remain long.” 

“ No. We must not make a stop of any length this side 
of Saint Lorenzo. Courage, my master; we will obtain 
horses at Xejal, and then we are safe.” 

Charles of Leon hid the disguise he had taken off, and 
his appearance was now a puzzling one to define. Plis dress 


ii8 


THE QUEEN^S REVENGE. 


was half way between the Christian and Moor, while his 
face, which still retained the skillfully applied paint that 
Pedro had put on, looked Moorish enough, though as the 
daylight became stronger the esquire removed some of the 
wrinkles, so that the face might be in better keeping with 
the rest of the man. 

At Xejal we’ may find a little wine,” said Pedro, as. 
they again started on. That will revive us.” 

By my faith, we both need reviving,” returned Charles. 
‘‘But I am not so faint yet but that I can keep the road, 
should there be danger near.” 

“ So with me,” said Pedro ; “ and I fear that we are 
not yet clear of danger.” 

“ Let it come, Pedro. I fear no danger. By heavens, 
I am not done with the Moslem yet.” 

Pedro made no reply to this last remark ; but a dubious 
look rested upon his countenance, as he gazed into his 
master’s face. 

The sun was well up when the travelers reached Xejal. 
The place was but a small hamlet, situated in a quiet vale, 
and containing some twenty dwellings. There was a small 
inn not far from the road, and thither the Christians bent 
their steps. The keeper of the place was a lean, lank Moor, 
but yet good-natured in his looks, and as the travelers 
entered he bustled about with an accommodating air. 

Pedro asked for refreshments, and the Moor showed 
them to a small apartment in the end of the building, and 
ere long such things as the place afforded were set before 
them. 

“Selim,” said Pedro — for he had heard one of the in> 
mates address the landlord thus — “can you not afford us a 
little wine? ” 

“Wine!” uttered the keeper, raising his hand in holy 


THE QUEEN EE FENCE. 


I19 

horror. “ The Prophet defend me. Are ye good Mussul- 
men, and yet ask me for wine? ’’ 

“ VVe are good Mussulmen, but we are weary, and we 
ask wine only for medication. Think not hard of us, good 
Selim, for Allah knows we abhor the infidel beverage.” 

“ I am a good Moslem,” said Selim. 

“ We know it,” returned Pedro, for even in Jaen they 
speak of you as one upon whom every virtue rests with 
honor.” 

“ Do they? ” cried the Moor, while a flash of gratifica- 
tion lit up his swarthy features. 

“ In truth they do.” 

And are you from Jaen ? ” 

Yes; and going to El Ajo. I tell thee, good Selim, I 
shall speak well of thee to travelers. This bread of thine is 
excellent.” 

Pedro worked hard upon the bread of which he spoke, 
and one could almost have fancied that he spoke the truth. 

“ We would have paid a high price for a bit of wine,” 
continued the esquire, as he sipped the washy, sherbet-like 
drink that had been set before him ; ‘ ‘ but we must do with- 
out it, I suppose.” 

The Moor = walked to the window and looked out. He 
played a few moments with the lattice-work, and then turned 
toward his guests. ^ 

^^Ah,” he uttered, with a comical attempt to appear as 
though a sudden thought had struck him, “now I remem- 
ber me that some time since I set away in my cellar some 
juice which I myself pressed from the grapes. It may not 
have become strong yet. I will get it, and you shall see if 
it be proper beverage.” 

Selim left the room, and ere long returned with a stone 
bottle. 


120 THE QUEEN^S REVENGE. 

“Ah, that is sweet and innocent,” exclaimed Pedro, as 
he placed the bottle to his lips. 

“lam glad,” returned the Moor ; and as he thus spoke 
he again withdrew. 

“San Dominic, Sir Charles, how old should you say 
that wine was? ” uttered Pedro, as he poured some out into 
his master ^s cup. 

“By my faith, but it’s good,” said the knight. 

“ The Moor must have been a very small boy when he 
bottled it,” added Pedro, as he smacked his lips. 

“ So he must,” returned Charles, “ and he must have 
stolen a French vintage, too.” 

Pedro laughed over the wine, which sparkled merrily 
after its long confinement, and beneath its exhilarating in- 
fluence he almost forgot that such a thing as danger ex- 
isted. 

“If we can but find horses as strong as is this wine, we 
need have nothing to fear,” said Charles, as he pushed the 
bottle from him. 

“We will see,” returned Pedro. Suppose I go out and 
see Selim? He may have some himself. I look more 
plainly the Moor than you do, and I shall not be so easily 
detected.” 

“You are right there, Pedro. Go at once, for we had 
better not remain long here.” 

The esquire started off to seek the landlord, and Charles 
of Leon began to pace the apartment. He was miserable 
when left alone to his own reflections, for he could think 
only of Zehra, and of the misery she might be doomed to 
suffer.* Bitter disappointment had made his love more fer- 
vent, and the fire burned within him with an almost con- 
suming power. The large dark eyes of the maiden he 
loved were constantly before him, and he could fancy the 
tears that flowed from them. One with less religious trust 


THE QUEEN^S EE FENCE. 12 1 

would have cursed the fate that hung over his way ; but the 
Christian knight only bowed in anguish, and longed for 
the time when he might meet the Moslem in fair combat. 

While the knight's thoughts were thus engaged, he heard 
a horse come galloping up to the door of the inn. He went 
to the window, in hopes that it might be Pedro who had 
returned successful ; but he was disappointed, for the new 
comer was only a Moorish traveler. 

Shortly afterward Pedro re-entered the apartment. He 
looked flustered and uneasy. 

Can you obtain horses? " asked Charles. 

I have found some that will answer ; but they may do 
us no good after alb” 

* ^ Ah ! Are they poor ? ’ ’ 

“ No, no — not that,” quickly returned Pedro, casting a 
hurried glance about him. We are detected ! ” 

Detected ! ” repeated Charles, with sudden alarm. 

“ Not here, but we shall be. You heard that horse gal- 
loping up a moment ago.” 

‘‘Yes.” • 

“ He has come from the height of El Ajo. Signals have 
been made from Granada for the stoppage of all travelers, 
and of course we shall not be allowed to proceed.” 

“ But they think we come from Jaen.” 

“That’s nothing. The messenger asked if there were 
any travelers here, and Selim told him of us.” 

“ And did he say he should stop us in our journey ? ” 
'“Yes.” 

Charles gazed a moment upon the floor. 

“Pedro,” he asked, “what men are there about the 
house? ” 

‘ ‘ Some half dozen loungers besides the landlord and 
messenger.” 


122 THE QUEEN REVENGE. 

^ ‘ Where are the horses you have seen that we could have 
had?’’ 

“ They are in the small stable back of the house.” 

Are the bridles handy ? ” 

‘‘Yes.” 

“Then stand by me, Pedro, and we will make our way 
through the small number that will oppose us. Ere long a 
host will be down from Granada. Come, our daggers will 
serve us.” 

“San Jago, I’ll stand by you, my master.” 

“ Then lead the way to the stable.” 

The two passed out from the apartment and entered a 
narrow hall that ran through to the back yard. At the 
stable they found Selim and the messenger, together with 
five of the people who belonged to the hamlet. 

“ Are our horses ready? ” asked Charles. 

“No,” hesitatingly returned Selim. 

‘ ‘ Then let them be so at once. I will pay you your 
charge.’- 

“You will have to remain here for the present,” said the 
messenger. 

“Ah! How so?” uttered Charles, gazing upon the 
speaker, who was an oldish man, and armed with a cimeter. 

“We have received orders from Granada to allow no one 
to pass.” 

“That order must have been meant for some one who 
has escaped justice, and not for us. Let us have our 
horses, good Selim, for we are in much haste.” 

“ No, no,” interposed the messenger. “The orders 
are from the king and they are imperative. Officers will 
arrive ere long from Granada, and if they are satisfied, then 
you can pass.” 

“ What have I to do with your officers ? ” exclaimed the 
knight. “ Selim, lead forth your horses.” 


THE QUEEN REVENGE 


123 


I cannot,” returned the landlord. 

A moment Charles of Leon gazed about him. None of 
those present were armed excepting the messenger. Near 
him stood a long, oaken club, which seemed to have been 
used for beating grain. Charles seized it and then turned to 
his esquire. 

‘‘Pedro,” he said, “lead out the best horse you can 
find, and he who dares molest you falls on the spot.” 

Pedro knew his master too well to hesitate and he moved 
toward the stall. 

“ Shall I take one for you? ” he asked. 

“ I will look out for myself. Be quick about it.” 

“ If you attempt to resist the king’s authority the worst 
be your own,” uttered the messenger, at the same time - 
drawing the cimeter. 

“ I have studied the cost, and shall abide by my judg- 
ment,” returned Charles of Leon, grasping his heavy club 
with a firmer hold. 

“ For heaven’s sake, gentlemen, let there be no blood 
shed here ! ” cried the landlord, who trembled from hand 
to foot. 

“ Ho ! all of you : I call upon you in the king’s name 
'to assist me,” shouted the messenger. “ Back from that 
horse ! back, I say, or you shall rue it.” 

The last sentence was addressed to Pedro, but he 
noticed it not. He had backed* a horse from the low stall, 
and had taken down a light saddle and thrown it across the 
animal’s back. His hand was upon a bridle that hung near 
when the messenger spoke, and he threw it at once over the 
horse’s head. 

“ Back yourself! ” exclaimed Charles, as he raised the 
club above his head. “ We go from this place at our own 
will, and woe be to you if you interfere.” 

“ Now by the Prophet you have gone far enough. You 


124 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE. 


dare not touch a royal officer in the discharge of his duty. 
Leave that horse.” 

A curl of decision broke about the lips of the Christian 
knight. 

*^Mark me,” he said, but protect myself. To do 
that I have often dared even death. I can dare it 
again ! ’ ’ 

“For heaven’s sake, gentlemen,” urged the poor pub- 
lican. 

“ Come on and aid me,” cried the messenger, turning to 
the Moors behind him, some of whom had armed them- 
selves with clubs, and seemed ready to show fight ; “in 
the name of the king I bid you come.” 

“ And in the name of the Christian’s God, I bid you 
stand back ! ” shouted Charles of Leon, swinging his 
weapon above his head. 

“ Ha ! you are a Christian, then ? ” 

“Yes.” 

“ Then you are the very men ” 

The messenger’s sentence was not concluded, for as he 
spoke he moved toward Pedro, and one blow from the 
knight’s club brought him to the ground. 

Those villagers who had collected around had no in- 
terest in the present business, and they shrank back from 
the presence of the Christian. None cared to come within 
the reach of his club, and now that the officer had fallen, 
they seemed inclined to offer no further resistance. 

“Mount! mount!” cried Charles, as Pedro led the 
horse from the stable. 

“ But you. Sir Charles.” 

“ The Moor’s horse will do for me.” 

“ Allah defend me ! ” ejaculated Selim, clasping his 
hands in agony. “ Oh, the king will blame me. Good 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE. 125 

gentlemen Christians, do let me entreat you to stop. You 

must not go. The king will ” 

Peace, Selim, broke in Charles, as he drew a small 
purse from his bosom. “ Here’s gold enough to pay thee 
for thy horse, and for thy good wine, too.” 

No, no — you had no wine, good sirs.” 

“ Thy juice of grapes, then. Here, take the purse, and 
tell the messenger, when he finds his senses — if such a for- 
tune should ever be his — that ere long his horse shall be 
set upon the road with his face turned homeward.” 

By Allah ! ” cried one of the bystanders, “ that’s the 
very Christain knight that beat down the alcalde in the 
lists.” 

This exclamation produced a marked sensation in the 
crowd. Two of the Moors who had moved forward as if 
to offer some further resistance, dropped their clubs and 
shrank back again. The Christian knight looked almost 
terrific in his wrath, and those around could not fail to read 
a death warrant in his countenance for the first who should 
oppose him. 

Pedro had mounted the horse he had chosen and rode 
out into the yard. Charles sprang to the side of the fallen 
messenger and seized the bright cimeter, and also possessed 
himself of the scabbard. The owner moved heavily and 
opened his eyes, but before he could speak the Christian 
had gone. The Moor’s horse stood by the inn door, and 
with a single bound Charles of Leon vaulted to the saddle 
and drew the rein. Pedro was by his side in an instant, 
and together they started off. 

Selim cried after them to come back, and some of the 
others seemed half ashamed of the inaction they had 
shown ; but it was now too late ; and just as the Christian 
disappeared the messenger came to himself only to find 
himself worse off than before. 


126 


THE QUEEN '‘S REVENGE, 


CHAPTER XVIIL 

THE DEATH DUNGEON. 

Charles of Leon found himself in possession of a good 
horse, but it was ere long evident that the beast had been 
hardly ridden of late, for he labored hard in travel. The 
horse that Pedro had taken was not of the best quality, al- 
though probably the best one that could have been obtained 
of Selim. 

“San Dominic, my master,” uttered Pedro, as he ap- 
plied the whip to the side of his beast, “ it is well we have 
no pursuers very near our heels.” 

“True; but yet we are likely to have,” returned the 
knight. 

‘ ‘ I would give much to know at what time our escape 
was discovered,” said the esquire. “ If not until this morn- 
ing, we may yet be safe, for that messenger is of course from 
El Ajo, and him we have cut off. There is, I think, an- 
other signal station of Jaen, but from there we shall have 
no trouble. ’ ’ 

“ Perhaps my absence was discovered last night.” 

“If that is the case we may look for trouble. San Jago, 
Sir Charles, we must have better horses.” 

“We must make the most of these for the present. 
Don’t spare the lash.” 

“I’ll not spare it, but my horse don’t notice it much. 
He’s used to it, I should judge.” 

The Christains had now entered a tract of country that 
had few inhabitants, and there was no such thing as turning 
from the beaten road. To Charles it was evident that a 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE, 


127 


long race would be his only means of escape should he be 
now pursued, and he expressed the opinion to his 
esquire. 

‘^True,” returned Pedro, ^‘for there’s no turnout till 
we cross the Guadalquivir, and that is several leagues 
ahead. It will be near noon before we can i^each it at all 
events.” 

Nearly two hours had elapsed since the two left Xejal. 
At the foot of a long steep hill they allowed their horses to 
come into a walk, and leisurely they made their way up. 
At the top they instinctively turned their gaze back, and 
they could plainly see the little hamlet they had left, snug- 
gled cozily in its quiet vale, but most of the road between 
them and the village was hidden from sight by its devious 
way through the wood. 

hear no sound,” said Charles, as they stopped to 

listen. 

<< No — we are safe yet, let’s push on.” 

“ Hark ! Was that a bird, or the thumping of some 
swinging limb ? ” 

’Twas nothing,” said Pedro. 

^^It certainly was,” insisted Charles, at the same time 
bending his ear attentively toward the way he had come. 

I distinctly heard a noise.” 

Let’s not wait here to decide. If it means evil for us 
we shall discover it soon enough.” 

Hark ! There it is again. Don’t you hear it, Pedro ? ” 

San Dominic, I do ; and it is the gallop of a horse, 
too.” 

More than one horse,” uttered Charles, as he drew his 
rein. Let’s on again.” 

^<On it is,” shouted Pedro, laying the lash upon the 
shoulders of his beast. 

For some distance ahead there was a gradual descent in 


128 


THE QUEEN EE FENCE. 


the road, and though the horses rode hard yet they were 
kept at their utmost speed — a speed, however, that was far 
from satisfactory. Not over two miles had been gained from 
the top of the hill when the tramp of pursuing horses was 
plainly heard, and at length, from a point that commanded 
a view of the road for nearly a mile back, Charles caught 
a glimpse of some dozen horsemen coming after him at full 
gallop. 

“ We are lost again,” said Pedro, as his eye caught the 
scene. 

^‘Unless we take to the woods,” remarked Charles. 

‘‘We cannot go in with the horses. They would not 
work their way at all with riders on.” 

‘ ‘ But we can take to the wood on foot, Pedro. ’ ’ 

“San Jago, we can make the trial, and we can be but 
taken, at all events j though I think the chances are against 
us.” 

“Ah, that hope is gone. See there. There opens the 
plan toward Jaen. We must ride as far as possible and 
trust to chance. We cannot fight them.” 

Charles and his esquire galloped on, but they knew the 
pursurers were rapidly approaching. 

“ My master,” said Pedro, while a look of unwonted de- 
termination rested upon his countenance, “for once I am 
going to be rash.” 

“Ah, Pedro.” 

“ Yes. If we are taken by these infidel Moors, we shall 
most assuredly be put to death. We can die here.” 

Charles of Leon made no reply for several moments. 

“ What think you, my master?” asked Pedro. 

“ If I had my armor, or even a shield, I would face them ; 
but I am almost unarmed. This cimeter is nothing for me, 
and you have nothing but a dagger. How can we fight 
them?” 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE. 


29 


We cannot, I own.” 

So it appears to me. We have made our trial, Pedro, 
and I fear we have failed ; yet I will fight, if you say 
so.” 

No, Sir Charles — it can do us no good, and may do us 
harm. If you are willing to be carried back to Granada, I 
can surely go with you.” 

We must be carried back.” 

Then so be it,” uttered Pedro. 

Charles could not have told to his esquire all the thoughts 
and feelings that actuated him. His heart was the home of 
strange emotions. He thought of Zehra, and he thought he 
should once more be near her ; and then he thought of 
Abdalla and his strange words, and though he still held 
some vague doubts respecting the Moor, yet he looked 
upon the brighter side of the picture. 

The human heart is a strange thing. The gentle god 
of love can enter there and make new the work of years ; 
and while the tiny deity of the bow and quiver holds rule 
there, questions of mighty import are sometimes decided 
with a blindness that would seem madness in a brute, even. 
Love, once seated in the heart, becomes a queer judge, and 
pending questions turn in their decision upon points un- 
known to all other courts. 

Now, under any other circumstances in the world, 
Charles of Leon w.ould not for a moment have thought of 
placing any hope or trust in Abdalla; for had even the 
strange thought whispered by Pedro been true, the Moor 
had no power to aid even himself, much less any one else. 
Yet the Christian allowed Cupid to deliver judgment, and 
he tried to feel satisfied with the verdict. 

The Christians had now reached an open country, and 
upon looking back they plainly saw that they could have 
gained nothing by taking to the woods. Their pursuers 

9 


130 


THE QUEEN REVENGE. 


were almost upon them, and as Charles saw that some of 
the Moors were armed with spears, he knew at once that 
resistance would be nothing less than suicide. 

‘‘We may as well stop, Pedro.” 

“ It is hard, but I suppose it must be done.” 

“ It we don’t stop now we may get a taste of the Moors’ 
javelins, and that would be by no means desirable.” 

Just as the knight ceased speaking the Moorish leader 
shouted for the Christians to stop, and of course the call 
was obeyed. It was Husam Ben Abbas who led the pur- 
surcrs, and Charles recognized him as the knight who had 
taken part in the tournament at Granada, and who had 
been worsted by the alcalde. 

“ Art thou Charles of Leon? ” asked Ben Abbas,' as he 
rode up. 

“lam.” 

“You are most wonderfully altered.” 

“ Because I have been disguised.” 

“ I understand. Now, Charles of Leon, in the king’s 
name, I cammand thee to yield thyself a prisoner.” 

“ And in the king’s name, I refuse.” 

“Ah!” 

“Hold, Ben Abbas. Thou art a brave knight, and I 
yield myself to thee, but not to Mohammed. You see I 
cannot resist you.” 

“You resist the messenger.’ 

<< Ah — and I might have resisted you had I hopes of vic- 
tory.” 

“ I believe you,” returned Ben Abbas, with a smile. 

But if you yield to me, of course you will return with 
me to Granada without farther trouble.” 

“If such be your wish,” said Charles. 

“And how is it with your companion ? I have orders 
for him, too, for he is suspected of having 


THE QUEEN'S EE VENUE. 


T3I 

‘‘Gone into your prison, and stole away your king’s 
prisoner,’’ interrupted Pedro. “ You are right there, and 
I will assure you I will keep my master company now.” 

“Ben Abbas,” said Charles,' some time after they had 
turned back toward Granada, “ what, think you, means the 
king by thus — ” 

“Hold, Sir Charles,” exclaimed Ben Abbas, with a quick 
shudder ; “ ask me no questions on that point.” 

“ Do not fear to tell me all you know,” hesitated the 
Christian, “ for I shall not f^ar to hear it.” 

“ Then you can guess the truth.” 

‘ ‘ Perhaps so. I should guess that the king meant to put 
me to death.” 

“ Charles of Leon, you have spoken the truth ! ” 

The Christian started, and a cold shudder ran through 
his frame ; but soon he became calm again. 

“ Mohammed had better count the cost ere he does that 
deed,” he said. 

“ He seldom stops for that,” returned Ben Abbas. “ He 
has done things more fearful than such a deed would be.” 

The subject was dropped, and nothing more was said till 
the party arrived at Xejal. Here they found the messenger 
sitting at the door of the inn, with a big bandage about his 
head. He came out and shook his fist in Charles’ face 
and Charles knocked him down. When he got upon his 
feet again he claimed redress df his injuries from Ben 
Abbas ; but Ben Abbas told him to mind his business, and 
not meddle with quiet prisoners. Then the good Mussul- 
man swore terribly, and made use of some heavy threats, 
but as no one seemed inclined to take his part he moved 
back to his seat with an extra pain in his head. 

Ben Abbas remained long enough in Xejal to rest the 
horses, and then, having exchanged the messenger’s beast 
for one belonging to Selim, he started on. Little was said 


132 THE QUEEN REVENGE. 

on the way, for Charles felt more and more depressed in 
spirits the nearer he came to his journey’s end. It was 
evident that Ben Abbas sympathized with him, though it 
was not in his power to aid him. He sympathized with 
him because he knew him to be a true and good knight, and 
because he had overcome the braggart alcalde. 

It was night when the party reached Granada, and the 
prisoners were at once conveyed to the prison. A beam of 
joy lit up the countenance of Tarik as he saw the Christian 
returned, for his own life was saved. 

Charles and Pedro were both conveyed to one dungeon. 
It was one from which there was no means of escape, the 
light coming in by only one small hole, not over six inches 
square at the top of the wall. They were both securely 
chained, in opposite corners of the dungeon, and their 
daggers were taken from them. 

‘‘You abused my kindness, Christian,” said Tarik, after 
he had seen all secure. 

“Hold,” exclaimed Charles. “ You may strike me, but 
do not tell me that.” 

“ I tell you but the truth. I was kind and indulgent, but 
you abused it.” 

“No, no. Look at yourself, Tarik. Suppose you were 
in a foreign prison, and under sentence of death from a 
remorseless tyrant. You have a mother at home — a gentle 
sister, and a brother ; what would you do when some kind 
but unexpected chance threw open your dungeon door ! ” 

“ I would go out.” 

“So did 1.” 

Well — I can forgive you ; but you will be safe now.” 

“ Hold, Tarik. Let me ask you one question. Is Ab- 
dalla in the prison ? ” 

“Yes, and chained as securely as you are,” replied 
Tarik. 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE. 


133 


Charles would have asked more, but Tarik turned away. 
There were two doors to the dungeon — the inner one of 
iron, and the outer one, which closed over its mate, being 
of riveted oak. These the jailor closed and bolted, and 
the prisoners were left in total darkness. 

We are in for it,” said Pedro, as he rattled his heavy 
irons. 

“Yes,” fell from the lips of the knight in a heavy tone. 

‘ < Where do you think we are ? ” asked Pedro. 

“In a Moorish prison.” 

“More than that,” said the esquire, with a strange 
meaning in his tone. “ Did you notice the place while 
the jailor was here with the light? ” 

“ Only that it was strong.” 

“ What? ” uttered the knight, earnestly, for the tone of 
Pedro was portentious. 

“ Did you see the floor of the dungeon ? ” 

“ I noticed another ring at the corner on my right.” 

“So did!” ^ 

“ It is for securing prisoners,” said Charles. 

“ Not exactly,” returned Pedro. 

“What then?” 

“ It affords a hold for lifting the stone to which it is 
affixed.” 

“Ah!” 

“ Yes, my master.” 

“Your eyes are keen, Pedro.” 

“ That’s because I use them.” 

“Then what think you of the trap-door you discov- 
ered?” 

“ I think it is a prison-grave I ” 

“ A what? ” cried Charles. 

“ It is the place to which there is one entrance, but never 


134 the QUEEN'S REVENGE. 

a return ! The floor of our dungeon is covered with 
blood ! ” 

‘^Good God!” ejaculated the knight, whose chains 
shook with the emotion that moved him, “ what mean 
you?” 

‘‘Simply that we are in the dungeon where those are put 
to death whom the king never wishes to see again.” 

“ Perhaps, Pedro, we were put here from necessity.” 

“ And yet there must be room enough in the prison with- 
out bringing us here.” 

“That may be, too.” 

“ Pedro — perhaps we have come here to die.” 

“ That is more likely to be.” 

“ God have mercy on us ! ” 

“ Amen 1 ” 


CHAPTER XIX. 

A FEMALE ALCHEMIST. 

“Safe? Safe, did you say Ben Abbas ?” shouted the 
Granadan king, springing from his seat as Husam entered 
his presence. 

“Yes, sire— and in the prison.” 

“ Are they in the death-dungeon ? ” 

“Yes.” 

“Then there let them be. O, I’ve sat up late to-night, 
but this makes me wink at late hours. It makes the very 
noon of night like day. Did the Christian resist you, Ben 
Abbas ? ” 

“ No, sire. He yielded at once.” 

“ Then he was stopped before you found him.” 

“ No. He had passed Xejal, and I overtook him upon 
the road.” 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE. 135 

“ Then he must have had an early start, to have passed 
Xejal before the signals reached there.” 

He did not, sire; but the messenger was alone, and 
the Christian escaped him.” 

Never mind; he is safe now. You saw him in the 
dungeon, you say.” 

“Yes.” 

“ Then he shall die the death ! The dog sees the sun no 
more. By the Prophet he is mine now, and no power can 
avert from him his doom. There is another, too, that I 
must look affer.” 

Husam Ben Abbas looked his master in the face with an 
earnest gaze. 

“They shall die together.” 

“Be careful, sire,” said Ben Abbas, in alow, meaning 
tone. “ ’Tis an easy thing to shed blood, but some blood 
may not be shed without a fearful cost.” 

“ Cost ! Do not talk to me of cost ! To me, who am 
king of Granada ! Out upon you for a prating coward ! 
By the Moslem Paradise, that man shall die — the Chris- 
tian ” 

“ There are two Christians, sire.” 

“ Both of them shall die, and so shall the other. There 
shall be three deaths at once.” 

“ Are you fixed upon this, sire ? ” 

“ Fixed upon it? Ay — as the Nevada is fixed upon our 

realm. Dost think I fear to do it ? ” 

“ No, no, sire. I know you have no fear ; but there may 
be consequences you wot not of.” 

“ Get thee to thy rest, Ben Abbas. There — say no 
more, but go. Tarik shall have his work to do full soon.” 

Ben Abbas obeyed his monarch without further remark. 

“ By Allah ! ” exclaimed Mohammed, as soon as he was 
alone, “ do they think I will fear to take the life of whom 


136 THE QUEEN'S REVENGE, 

I please ! No. I’ll see them dead, and then I shall rest 
the easier. What ho ! Slaves ! ’ ’ 

Half a dozen attendants sprang into the king’s presence. 

Go set the guard, and tell them the king has retired. 
In faith, I feel strangely sleepy.” 

The slaves bowed in token of obedience, and shortly af- 
terward Mohammed sought his sleeping room. 

While the king is preparing for his couch, let us look af- 
ter the neglected Emina. She was in her own apartment, 
and she sat upon a low ottoman engaged in reading some 
curious Arabic characters that were traced upon a piece of 
parchment. She seemed to have studied long upon them, 
and at length she folded up the scroll and placed it in her 
bosom. 

‘‘ To-morrow,” she murmured, as she arose to her feet 
and placed her hand upon her brow, ‘ ‘ he takes Zehra to 
the palace. O, why should he do this thing? But I have 
warned him, and “ he heeded it not. Courage Emina — 
courage ! The fault is his own, and not yours. Yet, yet, 
O, Mohammed, I could almost forgive the blow you gave 
me, would you but turn to me once more. They tell me 
the Prophet has made woman to be the servant of man. 
That may be true — for even now, I would serve Mohammed 
most faithfully ; but when they tell me that Allah made 
woman to be a mere slave, I know they lie. If a wise God 
had so intended, he would not have made woman with such 
a heart as mine. If it had been intended by God that wo- 
man should be a mere bauble of fancy, to be worn and cast 
off at pleasure, why were we not made with souls fitted for 
such a sphere ? O ! they lie to me when they tell me that 
woman’s sphere is eternal servitude, and I’ll prove it to 
them, too. — Mohammed, you have cast me off, and you 
have struck me ! You shall not gain your end, though. 

^ ‘ To-morrow Zehra comes, and then they think poor 


THE QUEEN^S REVENGE. 


137 


Emilia will live on the favors of the past, and rest quietly 
beneath the injuries of the present. They do not know me 
truly who say or think so." 

For some moments after Emina had done speaking she 
stood in a thoughtful mood. A variety of expressions 
passed over her countenance, but at length her features set- 
tled into that marble look which we have seen there before, 
and the eyes beamed with that deep, intense fire which 
speaks with feelings that the eyes alone can tell. The thin 
lips sometimes moved, but no sound came forth. 

When Emina arose from her meditative posture, she went 
to a small case that stood upon her dressing-stand, and took 
therefrom a small phial and a number of metallic boxes. 
Then she sat herself down upon her carpeted floor, and 
’ drawing the lamp near to her side, she arranged her boxes. 
From one which was larger than the others she took a small, 
brazen, cup-like spoon, and into this she poured the liquid 
that was in the phial. Then she held the vessel over the 
blaze of the lamp, and as soon as the liquid began to heat, 
the operator commenced putting into it very small quanti- 
ties of the powders contained in the boxes. 

Soon the mixture began to simmer and send forth little 
streams of vapor. Emina watched the mess with a careftil 
eye and ever and anon she would drop into her tiny dish a 
minute particle from one of the' boxes. The vapor had 
been first of a whitish color — then it turned nearly black, 
but with a quick movement, and an exclamation of disap- 
pointment, another drop of powder was added, and the 
color was changed to a bright yellow. 

‘‘If it fail me now," she uttered, as she watched the 
vapor with straining eyes, “I shall trust my skill no more. 
White, black, yellow And yellow still." 

Another mite of powder was carefully dropped into the 
spoon -like dish, and the woman’s eyes beamed with hope 


THE QUEEN EE FENCE. 


I3S 

as the vapor began to darken. In a moment the vapory 
column was of a green color, and with a murmur of satis- 
faction Emina quickly moved the dish away from the lamp. 
The mixture thus prepared was poured into the phial, and 
then the remainder of the things were put back from 
whence they were taken. 

Now, if Mohammed drank the beverage I prepared for 
him he will sleep soundly to-night,” Emina murmured to 
herself as she closed the case after she had returned the 
boxes. Perhaps he missed it. Ah, had I been sure of 
his getting it, I might have made that more powerful ; but 
it is better as it is. Now aid me, kind Prophet, and I shall 
not fail.” 

As Emina spoke she placed the phial in her bosom, and 
took her lamp. She slipped the light shoes from her feet, 
and then opening a small side door, she passed through into 
a narrow passage. It was a passage the king had often 
traversed in his visits to the apartment of his once favorite 
wife, and that wife knew it well. She moved carefully 
along ; several doors she opened and passed, and at length 
she came to one at which she stopped. She bent her ear 
to the key-hole and listened. A deep, heavy snoring fell 
upon her ear, and a ray of satisfaction passed over her feat- 
ures. She set down her lamp and took a key from her 
girdle, which she applied to the lock. The lock moved 
without noise, and slowly, carefully she pushed open the 
door. 

In a moment more Emina had crawled into the apart- 
ment of the king. The guards were in the passage that 
opened from the other part of the room, and the sleeping 
monarch was alone with his discarded wife ! 

The woman assured herself that Mohammed slept soundly 
and then she crawled back and pulled her lamp into the 
room. As soon as this was done she crawled back to the 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE, 


139 


bed, and slowly arose to her feet. She looked like a ghost 
standing there by the bed of the unconscious monarch, for 
her face was as white as the pure linen she wore. Once the 
king moved heavily in his rest, and the name of Zehra fell 
from his lips, but he did not wake. A troubled, unquiet 
sleep held the monarch, and he seemed to be under the in- 
fluence of some dream that sent various shades flitting 
across his stern countenance. 

Emina had settled down as she noticed the first move- 
ment, but when that name fell upon her ear she started as 
though she had felt a shock of lightning. 

“ O, Mohammed ! ” she half murmured, as she gazed 
into his dimly revealed features, ‘‘ would to Allah you had 
never heard that name ; but it is too late now. The al- 
calde’s daughter has found that truant heart of thine when 
she sought it not. You love her as you once loved me. 0, 
madness ! ” 

Emina looked for a moment longer upon the king, and 
then she drew the phial from hep bosom. She took out the 
stopper, and then gathering the edge of the sheet in her 
hand she let fall upon it several drops of the liquid she had 
prepared. That part of the linen upon which the liquid 
had fallen was placed carefully over the sleeping man’s 
mouth, and then Emina let a drop fall upon his upper lip, 
just under the edge of the nbstril. After this was done 
she sought Mohammed’s kerchief, and upon this she put 
some of the preparation. 

The woman placed the phial back into her bosom, and 
for several moments she stood and gazed upon the sleeper. 
A look of sadness stole over her features as she gazed, and 
a tear trembled upon her long, dark lashes. She felt the 
drop as it fell upon her hand, and quickly starting from her 
position she wiped away the tell-tale tear, and turned to- 
ward the door. She took up the lamp and carefully closed 


140 


THE QUEEN REVENGE. 

the door, and having turned the key and taken it out from 
the lock, she stealthily glided back to her own apartment. 

One of the guards at the outer passage thought he heard 
a noise, and he opened the door and looked in ; but the 
king was sleeping soundly, and all was quiet. The soldier 
wondered that Mohammed slept so soundly, but he did 
nothing more than wonder, and when he reclosed the door 
and resumed his station outside, he thought all was safe. 

And Mohammed, — he dreamed hot of the visitor he had 
had, but he dreamed of the beautiful Zehra ! 


CHAPTER XX. 

THE POOR DECEIVED. 

It was toward noon of the day succeeding the events 
last recorded. Ben Hamed was in his own dwelling en- 
gaged in examing some papers that related to the affairs of 
justice that came under his official supervision. It was 
certainly not easy for him to fasten his mind on the busi- 
ness he had in hand, for ever and anon he would push the 
documents from him, and start to his feet as if other mat- 
ters usurped his thoughts. Ben Hamed was far from being 
a happy man. It is not certain that his conscience troubled 
him much ; but he knew that he was playing false cards to 
every one about him, and he could not but fear that detec- 
tion might, sooner or later, overtake him. Detection from 
the king would surely cost him his office, and detection 
from any one else would fasten upon him a shame that he 
could not overcome. He knew that he was hated by most 
of the knights of Granada, and though his arm was strong 
in battle yet his heart was weak in honor. 

Again and again did the alcalde seat himself to his 


THE QUEEN REVENGE. 


141 

official task, but no sooner did he begin to reason upon the 
matters before him than his brain became confused, and he 
was obliged to give over the trial ; so he folded up their 
outer blankness. 

Thus Ben Hamed sat, when the door of his apartment 
was opened. It was Husam Ben Abbas who entered. 

'‘Ben Hamed, I bear thee a message from the king," 
said Husam. 

“ I listen." 

“Mohammed awaits the coming of your daughter, and 
he desires that you will haste to bring her." 

“ Husam, in what mood seems the king this morning? " 

“ As usual, save, perhaps, that he is more testy." 

“Testy? I think he should be different from that. 
The Christian is in his power, and Zehra is soon to be 
his." 

“ Nevertheless he is out of sorts this morning, and I, for 
one, was glad to get clear of his presence." 

Ben Hamed looked troubled. 

“ What ails him? " he asked. 

‘ ‘ In truth I know not. ’ ' 

“ Has he seen the Christian knight since his re-cap- 
ture? " 

“ No, nor will he be likely to." 

“ Ah — Charles of Leon has not again escaped." 

“No; but he is soon to die." 

“ Good," uttered the alcalde. He was unable to conceal 
his gratification. 

“ It’s very easy to say ‘good,’ " returned Ben Abbas, in 
a meaning tone, “ but all is not good that sounds so. If I 
am not much mistaken, there is a counter current to the 
affairs about us, and the waters may not run so smoothly as 
you think." 

“ I do not understand you, Husam." 


142 


THE QUEEN REVENGE,^ 

I mean that Mohammed is playing at a game too high 
for him. ’Tis well enough to trap a hawk, and even a child 
may do it, but that child must beware when he thinks to 
kill his game.” 

The alcalde started, and gazed earnestly at his visitor. 

Do you understand me, Ben Hamed ? ” 

“ Not quite.” 

‘‘Then you must wait. But for the present you had 
better hasten to the king with your fair daughter. He is 
anxious for her presence. Ah, Ben Hamed, you are pay- 
ing a good round price for your office.” 

“ Ben Abbas ! ” 

“ Oh, take it not unkindly, for I mean what I say. Of 
course the eternal peace of the gentle being you would 
sacrifice is nothing more than meet for the kingly favor you 
get in return ! ” 

“ Now, by Allah, Ben Abbas, if you mean to beard me 
with taunts, you shall answer for it,” cried the alcalde, 
starting with passion. 

“ Look ye, Ben Hamed,” returned Husam, his whole 
countenance beaming with pride as he spoke, “ you can 
call these things taunts if you choose, but let me tell thee 
that every honest knight in Granada abominates the act 
you have bound yourself to perform. Zebra is the fairest 
maid in our city, and we like not that she should be sacri- 
ficed to Mohammed.” 

“ You shall answer for this.” 

“So I will. Go carry your daughter to the king first, 
and then you may seek me if you choose. Mohammed 
waits to snuff the fragrance of the fair flower you have 
plucked for him.” 

As Ben Abbas spoke, he turned away and left the alcalde 
to himself. 

“By the holy Prophet, they shall not beard me thus,” 


THE QUEEN^S REVENGE. 143 

Ben Hamed exclaimed as he was left alone. ‘ ‘ They shall 
yet find that my arm has not weakened.” 

For some moments the alcalde paced up and down his 
apartment in an endeavor to calm the passions that had 
been aroused in his soul. He knew not exactly what Ben 
Abbas meant by the hints he had thrown out, but yet they 
had much influence on his mind. He knew that he was 
staking his all for the king’s favor, and should he lose that 
he would have no friend toward whom he could turn. 
However, he at length contrived to quiet himself upon the 
hope that Mohammed would be true to him, and in this 
mood he went to seek his daughter. 

He found the fair girl in her apartment. 

“Zehra,” he said, with as much kindness of tone as he 
could command, ‘‘you must prepare to accompany me to 
the Alhambra. The king has sent for you, and he is anx- 
ious for your coming.” The effect was like a palsy shock 
to the poor girl. She sank back upon the couch and cov- 
ered her face with her hands. 

“ Come, Zehra — cheer up.” 

“ Oh, is there no escape from this? ” 

“ Escape ? What mean you ? Did you not promise me 
that you would go calmly and quietly ? ” 

“Perhaps I did, but oh, I thought not of the pangs I 
was to suffer. The poor prisoner in his dungeon may think 
calmly of the stake and the fire, but when the flames that 
are to consume him begin to crackle in his ears, his heart 
may quail. Oh, save me from this.” 

“Come, come, Zehra; you have ere this exhausted my 
patience. Beware how you trifle with me more.” 

The maiden remained for some time with her hand upon 
her brow, and at length she arose to her feet. There were 
no tears in her eyes, for whatever of grief and anguish she 
may have felt was too keen, too deep for tears. She was 


144 . 


THE QUEEN '•S EE FENG E, 


pale^ and the muscles about her mouth were still and quiet. 
She had passions at work, but they were like the hidden fires 
of the earth that find no crater. They lived upon the soul 
wherein they raged. 

“ I will go,” she said, in a voice too calm to be usual. 

Then make your preparations, and I will call for you.” 

One question, Ben Hamed. Where is Charles of 
Leon?” 

In the prison.” 

‘‘And will he be released when I am once at the pal- 
ace?” 

“Yes.” 

“You do not deceive me now? ” 

“Why should I?” 

“You spoke with a strange accent.” 

“Did I?” 

“Yes.” 

“ Then it was because your question was a strange one.” 

“Ben Hamed, you know that I make this sacrifice, be- 
cause you have told me it would save the life of the young 
Christian.” 

“ And suppose it would not save his life? ” 

“ Then I would not make it.” 

The alcalde thought of speaking harshly, but his better 
judgment prevailed. He would not have Zehra appear be- 
fore the king with her eyes swollen with tears, and so he 
dropped the subject and withdrew. 

In less than an hour the fair maiden was prepared for her 
departure from the home of her youth, and she had two 
female servants to attend her. 

“You look exceedingly beautiful,” said Ben Hamed, as 
he led her from her chamber. ‘ ‘ The king will be over- 
joyed.” 

“ At my misery ? ” 


THE QUEEN’S REVENGE. 


145 


Hush, Zebra. At your beauty, I meant.” 

“ And when that fades ! ” 

It will not fade. You are young, and your beauty will 
outlive the king.” 

“Oh, what a hope for a pure soul is that ! ” murmured 
Zehra. “ That her beauty may outlast her husband’s life ! 
Say no more to me, if you would have me calm.” 

Ben Hamed obeyed the girl’s injunction, and without 
further remark he led her to the palanquin which was wait- 
ing to convey her to her destination. As Zehra stepped 
into the gaudily arrayed vehicle, a low groan escaped her 
lips, but Ben Hamed did not hear it! The silken curtains were 
drawn, and then the maiden was borne away toward the 
Alhambra. 

When her bearers reached the royal residence she was 
lifted out by the alcalde, and messengers from the king were 
waiting to conduct her to the apartments that had been as- 
signed for her use, while Ben Hamed went to report him- 
self to his monarch. 

When Zehra entered the room that was to be hers she 
was for the moment dazzled by the magnificence of things 
about her, but the reality of her situation soon came upon 
her, and she sank into her own gloomy reflections. She 
was left alone with the two attendants that had accompanied 
her, and as soon as they had seen their young mistress re- 
lieved of her traveling robe they retired to the adjoining 
apartment where they were to find their own quarters. 

Hardly had the servants disappeared, when a small 
door, which had been hidden by a heavy silken arras, was 
opened, and Emina glided into the apartment. 

<< sh ! ” uttered the new comer, as she gazed quickly 

about the room. “ So you have come to the palace.” 

“ They have brought me.” 

10 


146 


THE QUEEN EE FENCE. 


‘ ‘ I had thought you would not have been, brought, ’ ’ said 
Emina in startling accents. 

Oh, I have come to save the life of one I love ! Did 
you ever love ? ’ ’ 

Yes — almost madly.” 

Then you know my secret.” 

But who is to be saved? and how? ” 

Charles of Leon.” 

Who told thee that ? ” 

‘ ‘ Ben Hamed told me so. He said if I would come 
quietly to the king, the Christian should go free ; but if I 
refused, he should die.” 

‘ ‘ Oh, curses, curses on them ! Zehra, they have lied 
most foully to thee ! ” 

Mercy ! ” 

‘ ‘ sh ! We shall be heard. ’ ’ 

“Oh, tell me, have I been deceived? Is Charles of 
Leon to die ? ” 

“ Yes. The king has set this very night for the deed.” 

“ Impossible ! Oh, monstrous ! It cannot be ! ” 

“ It is as I have said.”' 

“ But to save him I will sacrifice my happiness forever. 
I will embrace the king though his very breath breathed 
deadly poison ! ” 

Emina started with a wild look as those words fell from 
Zebra’s lips, and for a moment she gazed into the maiden’s 
face as though she would have drawn forth more words than 
had been uttered; but soon her features grew calm again, 
and with a' most strange meaning she said : 

“Few can breathe deadly poison and live.'^ 

“ Then I could die to save the Christian. Oh, go tell 
the king that I will be all he can ask, if he will but spare 
the life of Charles of Leon.” 


THE QUEEN'S EE FENCE. 147 

It cannot be done. They have deceived you. It was 
a trap to entangle you.” 

Oh, misery ! ” 

** Will you be the king’s now ? ” 

‘‘What ! and Charles of Leon dead ?” 

“Yes.” 

“ No ! I have a fairer husband who shall woo and wed 
me. I have another to whom I will give my heart ! ” 

As Zehra spoke she half drew a small dagger from her 
bosom. 

“ sh ! ” uttered Emina. “Someone approaches. 

Use not your dagger hastily. Let it rest where it is.” 

The king’s wife glided back through the small doorway 
just as Ben Hamed entered from another direction. He 
had conre to speak flattering words to Zehra, but she 
turned from him in disgust. She knew that he was black 
with falsehood, and that his breath was hot with foul de- 
ceit. 

She did not tell Ben Hamed what she had just learned, 
but she begged of him to leave her to herself. He won- 
dered at her course, but she gave him no clue to its cause, 
and at length he left, remarking, as he turned away, that 
when he came again the king would accompany him. 


CHAPTER XXL 

THE DEATH-WARRANT — PEDRO AT WORK. 

The day was drawing to its close, and Mohammed was 
seated upon a large purple cushion in one of his audience 
chambers. Ben Hamed was there, and at a short distance 
stood Husam Ben Abbas. There were a number more of 
attendants present, and all seemed hanging with more than 


THE QUEEN EE FENCE. 


148 

wonted anxiety upon the words which were about to fall 
from the king’s lips. 

Husam Ben Abbas,” said the king, approach me.” 

The noble went nearer the king. 

“ Ben Abbas, you do not bow so low as was your wont.” 

“ Ah, sire.” 

“I speak the truth, Husam. You do not look me so 
kindly in the face as you have done.” 

“ It maybe that matters of great import show themselves 
upon my features, sire.” 

Hark ye, Ben Abbas. Beware that rebellion finds no 
home in thy bosom, or, by Allah, you’ll repent it.” 

‘‘You know me, sire, and you know I have been faith- 
ful.” 

“ Then why those peevish looks ? ” 

“I am sad and heart-sick.” 

“Ah, and by heaven, I, too, am heart-sick. All this 
day I felt a knawing at my very vitals. I tell thee, Ben 
Abbas, I feel most strangely.” 

Ben Abbas turned away his head to hide a look he 
could not suppress. The name of Emina dwelt silently on 
his lips and a look of joy passed over his features. 

“ My head, too, feels wonderfully uneasy, ” continued the 
king. “ But I shall overcome it.” 

“I trust you may, sire,” said Ben Abbas. 

“ Ay ! Allah protect thee ! ’ ’ added the alcalde. 

“ But enough of this,” uttered Mohammed, showing by 
his manner that he was ill at ease. “ Ben Abbas, I have 
made up my mind.” 

“ Allah grant that you may be merciful ! ” Said Husam. 

“ Merciful !” repeated the king, with a bitter laugh. 
“ Let mercy be for those who need it. I want none of it. 
Husam, Abdalla must die ! ” 

Those present started at the words. 


THE QUEEN^S REVENGE, 


149 


^^Have you thought of this, sire ?” asked Ben Abbas. 

‘ ‘ Have you thought of what might be the consequences of 
such ” 

“ Silence ! ” cried Mohammed. I have thought of 
nothing save what I should do, and upon that I have de- 
termined. Abdalla must die ere another sun shall rise ! ” 

“You certainly have the power to do as you please,” 
said Ben Abbas, in a low tone of voice. 

“ Ay, and none shall prate of my doings, after the deed 
is done^ Mark that, Husam, and beware. Do you under- 
stand ? ” 

“Yes, sire.” » 

“ Then I shall look for you to be wise.” 

“I am wise now, Mohammed,” proudly returned Ben 
Abbas ; ‘ ‘ and from my wisdom I would speak to thee. Thou 
must not wonder that I speak plainly, for it is the province 
of a true friend so to speak. Ah, sire, those are enemies 
who look blindly on our faults, and flatter us in our evil.” 

“ Go on, Ben Abbas, for your speech has a smacking of 
honesty, though I must say that it is not always wise to be 
honest.” 

“ I have but a word more to say. I advise you not to 
lay the hands of death upon Abdalla ; and it will be for 
your interest to let the Christians go free from Granada.” 

“You have spoken, and I suppose, honestly,” said the 
king with a sneer. 

“ 1 have, in truth, sire.” 

“ Then let me tell thee that I need not thy advice. I’ll 
talk with thee another time, Ben Abbas, but it waxes late 
now, and I must to business. Ah ! that pain at my heart. 

I have overtasked myself with thought ; and yet that feel- 
ing is a strange one.” 

The monarch pressed his hands upon his bosom as he 
spoke, and as the pain seemed to pass off he raised his head, 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE. 


150 

and reached forth for a bit of parchment that lay ne?,r him. 

‘‘Mahmoud,” he said, addressing an officer who stood 
near him, “ take this to the prison and deliver it to Tarik. 
Therein he is commanded to put to instant death the two 
Christians who are confined there. Then his other prisoner 
is to follow. He will — ” 

Mohammed stopped and pressed his hand again upon his 
bosom. A slight groan escaped him, and then he re- 
sumed : • 

“ Bid Tarik that he obey my order. Let Abdalla die 
close upon the death of the Christians ; and let it all be 
done quickly, too.” 

“ Sire ! ” interposed Ben Abbas. 

“ Silence ! ” exclaimed Mohammed. “ By Allah, if you 
speak another word, you too shall visit the prison. Men 
shall know who is king of Granada, if they think to rule 
me with their prating ! Go, Mahmoud.” 

Husam Ben Abbas bowed his head, and with a low mur- 
mur upon his lips he turned away from the royal presence. 
There was much pain in his look, and he trembled violently 
as he walked toward the door. 

“ Come back, Husam,” cried the king. “ By my faith, 
there is rebellion in thy very look, and I’ll not trust thee 
from the palace till Mahmoud has performed his mission.” 

If Ben Abbas had thought of intercepting the king’s mes- 
senger, he was prevented now, and he folded his arms across 
his breast as Mahmoud left the hall. 

Let us, while the messenger is on his way, look into the 
prison, and that we may the better understand things that 
transpired, we will go back a few hours and take our view 
by daylight. 

In one of the strongest dungeons, but one to which con- 
siderable light was admitted, sat Abdalla. He was firmly 
chained, but yet he had good scope for exercise. He now sat 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE. 


ISI 

upon the stone which served him for a seat, and his face 
was bowed toward the floor. His hands were clasped to- 
gether, and his lips moved with a sort of half-uttered prayer. 
He was calm, but yet sorrow and suffering were traced on 
every lineament of his countenance. He seemed as one 
who looked hourly for death, and who had made up his 
mind to meet the king of terrors calmly. There might have 
been some rays of hope in his countenance, but they were 
so dim as not to be easily distinguished. 

In the lower dungeon, where last we saw him, sat Charles 
of Leon and his esquire. The former seemed to have been 
not long aroused from slumber. The aperture at the top of 
the wall admitted. light enough to enable the inmates to dis- 
tinguish objects plainly about them, and Charles had dis- 
covered all that Pedro had previously spoken of. The deep 
stains of blood were all over the floor, the apparatus was 
there for binding prisoners for the death-stroke, and the 
trap-door, too, was easily distinguished. 

My master,” said Pedro, “you have enjoyed a good 
long sleep.” 

“ Ay, and by my soul, Pedro, I had a wonderfully pleas- 
ant dream for such a place of sleep as this.” 

“ That may be a good omen, for I sometimes believe in 
dreams.” 

“ Especially when they are pleasant ones, I suppose.” 

“Nay, not so, my master. I wouldn’t refuse to believe 
in a right pleasant dream, but my good old mother always 
learned me particularly to believe in all bad ones ; and, if 
I mistake not, she had a wretched ending for all the good 
ones.” 

“ That would be hard, Pedro.” 

“So it would ; but while you have been dreaming. Sir 
Charles, I have been at work. Look at that ! ” 


152 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE. 


As Pedro spoke, he arose from his seat and' walked freely 
across the dungeon. 

“ What means that, Pedro? ” uttered the knight in as- 
tonishment. 

Simply that they didn’t discover my case of instru- 
ments. I have them all here, and you see how they have 
served me.” 

<‘But there can be no such thing as escape, even if we 
get rid of our irons,” said Charles. 

“ There can be no such thing as escape with our irons,” 
returned Pedro; *^so let’s have them off, and then we 
shall be ready for the first chance. And let me tell you one 
more .thing ; we are put here to die — there is no doubt 
about that. Now if we have our irons free we may use 
them to advantage. Not more than one man can enter our 
dungeon at a time, and we can sell our lives dearly, at all 
events. But there may be a chance of escape. Suppose 
we are visited by night ; we can knock down the keeper, 
and perhaps make our way out.” 

“I understand you, Pedro,” said Charles, with a slight 
tinge of hope in his tone. 

‘ ‘ Then you must take this saw and clear my hands. I 
worked upon my feet very easily, but you see I cannot work 
around my wrists. Separate these bolts, and then Pll have 
you free in a twinkling.” 

The knight took the keen instrument from the hands of 
his esquire, and ere long the bolts that held the manacles 
upon Pedro’s hands were cut off, and the faithful fellow 
was at liberty so far as his irons were concerned. 

Now, my good master, hold you still a few moments 
and your limbs shall be relieved of those ugly trimmings.” 

As the squire thus spoke he knelt down and commenced 
operations. His tongue kept pace with his hands; and if 
the humble follower had not so much of the lion bravery in 


THE QUEEN EE FENCE. 


153 


his composition as his master, he had at least more of 
shrewdness and cunning, and far more of patience under 
difficulties. 

“ There,” uttered Pedro, as his master was clear from 
his shackles, ^ ‘ ngw we are ready for visitors. Suppose, for 
the curiosity of the thing, we raise this trap door.” 

Charles agreed to the proposaVand both of the men laid 
their hands to the task. The ring affixed to the slab was a 
large one, and there was plenty of room for both of them 
to obtain a hold. 

Slowly the heavy stone slab was raised from its place. 
The Christians bent over the place, but they started quickly 
back. They had gazed only into a dark abyss from which 
came forth a cold, noisome stench almost overpowering. 
It was the, malaria of decaying human flesh. 

‘^Down, down with the door again! ” uttered Charles. 

By heavens, we shall die with the poisonous vapor.” 

^‘.Tt’s a strange place,” murmured Pedro, as he helped 
his master replace the slab. “ I saw such a one at Cordova; 
and I saw human beings thrown into it, too. San Dominic, 
but there’s a time of trial coming.” 

Charles made no ansf^er to Pedro’s remark, but gazed 
upon the stone he had lifted. There was a cold shudder run 
through his frame, but when it passed away his hands were 
clutched with a nervous power, and the name of God 
trembled upon his lips. 


CHAPTER XXII. 

THE GAME OF CHESS — THE CHRISTIAN’S DUNGEON. 

Night had closed over the Granadan prison. AbdalLv 
was in his dungeon pacing to and fro at such distances as 
his chain would allow, and as the sharp clanking of the 


154 


THE QUEEN REVENGE. 


links fell upon his ear he seemed studying out wild music 
from their notes. While he was thus engaged, Tarik 
entered the dungeon, bearing beneath his arm a chess board. 

“Do you feel like a game of chess, this evening?” 
asked the jailor, as he sat his lamp down. 

“Yes, good Tarik. Anything to drink up the dull mo- 
ments that hang about me.” 

“ Then I’ll spend an hour with thee. Everything is 
quiet about the prison, the prisoners all safe and the guard 
set.” 

As Tarik spoke he moved a cushion up to where Abdalla 
stood, and having set the lamp down in a convenient place, 
he unshackled the prisoner’s right hand, and then seated 
himself. 

Abdalla did the same, and having placed the chess board 
upon their knees, they arranged their men. 

“Tarik,” said the prisoner, “something tells me that 
this may be the last game we shall ever play together. ’ ’ 

“ No, no ; we will play often.” 

“I think not. The king will not keep me much 
longer. ’ ’ 

“ He will not dare to — ” 

“ — sh. He will dare to do what he pleases. But never 
mind that now. You shall move first, and I will beat you.” 

“ Not so easily. There.” 

“ That’s your old move.” 

“Yes, and I mean it for victory. By Allah, if you 
were playing for your life I should hardly let you beat me 
this time.” 

“I tell thee, Tarik, whatever I shall play for shall be 
mine. Life is not mine to stake.” 

They played, and they played, too, as men who under- 
stood the game. The minutes slipped rapidly away, and 
yet the two chess-players moved their pieces with but little 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE, 155 

effect. The prisoner forgot his chains, and the keeper for- 
got his office. 

“I have thee,” whispered Tarik. 

“Not yet,” returned the prisoner, as he backed up his 
queen by a dexterous move. 

Tlie players were again buried in the game, when the 
door opened, and Mahmoud entered. 

“ Tarik, here is an order from the king,” said the mes- 
senger, placing a bit of parchment in the keeper’s hand. 

Tarik opened the scroll and read. His face turned pale, 
and a fearful tremor shook his frame. 

“ I am to wait,” said Mahmoud. 

“Then I will join thee below,” returned Tarik, placing 
the scroll in his bosom. 

“ What ails thee? ” asked the prisoner, as the messenger 
withdrew. 

“ Only a sudden and unexpected order,” reptfed Tarik, 
m a thick, husky tone, while he trembled as though the 
death angel were hovering over him. 

“ Let’s finish the game.” 

“No, no; I cannot play more.” 

“ If I can play, why should not you ? ” asked the pris- 
oner iir a tone of strange calmness. “ I feel that I have 
more interest in the king’s message than you have.” 

The two men continued the game, but Tarik played 
wildly. ^ 

“ Ah ! there goes your queen, and the game is mine ! ” 
uttered Abdalla. 

“Yes ; you’ve won ! ” murmured Tarik, and as he spoke 
he turned away to wipe a tear from his cheek. 

The keeper arose from his seat and set the chess-board 
against the wall. He replaced the manacle upon the pris- 
oner’s hand, and then taking up the lamp, he left the apart- 
ment. 


156 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE. 

‘‘ O, Allah forgive me ! ” he murmured, as he closed the 
prison. ‘‘I would rather die myself than do this deed. 
But I will not shed all this blood myself. Him I must kill 
with mine own hand, but the poor Christian’s shall fall by 
another’s. Ah ! this is truly his last game. Prophetic 
vision ! ” 

. When the jailor reached his office, he called up two of 
his attendants. They were sinister looking, powerful fel- 
lows, and those who knew them knew them for the Grana- 
dan executioners. 

“You know the place where the Christians are confined,” 
said Tarik. 

“Yes,” answered one of the executioners. 

“Then take your cimeters and go to their dungeon. 
Here is the king’s order for their immediate death. Do 
your work well now, and be quick about it, for I would not 
have them suffer pain. I have further use for the place 
when you have done.” 

“ And the bodies ? ” 

“ Into the pit.” 

The executioners took down two heavy cimeters that 
hung against the wall, and having taken a lamp, they de- 
parted on their fearful mission. 

The Christian prisoners were seated in their respective 
places, and their chains were gathered about them. Utter 
darkness surrounded them, but they thought not of sleep. 

“Hark!” uttered Pedro, “I heard a step approach- 
ing.” 

“ So did I,” returned Charles. 

“ What means a visit at this time ? ” 

“ We will find out if they come.” 

“They have stopped. Ah! there goes the bolt of the 
outer door.” 

“Yes,” uttered Charles, with a quick breath. “Gather 


THE QUEEN REVENGE. 157 

your heavy chain for action, Pedro. By heavens ! if they 
come to murder us they shall find our lives dear.” 

“lam ready,” whisped Pedro. “ Be sure and look to it 
that your feet are clear.” 

In a moment more the inner door of the dungeon was 
opened, and the rays of a lamp shone in upon the prison- 
ers. Charles saw two men, and he saw, too, that they were 
both armed. He guessed the mission upon which they 
had come. 

‘ ‘ What seek ye here ? ” the knight asked, as the man 
who bore the lamp sat it down at the door. 

“ You’d better not ask any questions,” returned the fore- 
most of the executioners. 

“ Back, till you tell me wherefore you are here,” shouted 
Charles, springing to his feet and raising his hands over his 
left shoulder. 

The man did not see how the prisoner’s irons were fixed. 

“ Don’t think of frightening us,” he said, “ for we. have 
come to put an end to your sufferings. Come, put down 
your hands, and sit upon your bench, for you’ll die easier 
if you do.” 

Charles half lowered his hands, and the executioner took 
a step forward ; but he. came no nearer, for with a full, 
powerful sweep the knight brought his heavy chain upon the 
intruder’s head, and he sank upon the pavement like a dead 
ox. At the same moment Pedro sprang upon the second 
executioner, but his blow fell upon the Moor’s shoulder, 
and with a loud cry the lamed man sprang back from the cell. 
The lamp was upset and extinguished in the fray, and the 
prisoners were left in total darkness. They heard the 
second executioner as he hurried away, but they knew that 
one lay senseless near them. 

“ Shall we flee? ” cried Pedro. 

“ No, no; not yet.” 


158 the queen EE fence. 

“ Yes, yes. The way is open. Come.’* 

* * But we shall ’ ’ 

** Be killed if we stay here,” broke in the esquire. 

Come, follow me.” 

Charles hesitated no longer, but grasping his stout irons 
more firmly he groped his way out from the dungeon. 

** This way,” said Pedro. ** I noticed the way as we en- 
tered. This leads to the jailor’s room, and we must fight 
our way through, and fun.” 

Hardly had Pedro spoken when a torch flashed through 
the darkness, and a number of men at the head of whom 
was Tarik, were seen approaching them. 

* ‘ Hold ! ’ ’ cried Tarik, as he came near to the prisoners. 

Back to your cell.” 

Let us pass,” returned Charles of Leon. **Iknow 
your purpose and will defend myself.” 

** One moment, sir knight.” 

** No ; not an instant. Clear the way.” 

Tarik was a powerful man used to dangers, but he hesi- 
tated before the Christian. 

** You must surrender,” he said. 

* ‘ Never while I live ! Back ! ’ ’ 

The jailor saw that words were of no more use, and he 
bade his followers, four in number, to assist him. He 
sprang forward. The knight swung his heavy chain, but it 
struck the wall in its descent, and as it fell powerless, short 
of its mark, he was seized and thrown upon the floor. 
Pedro made a stout resistance, but he was overcome by a 
superior force, and ere long the two Christians were bound 
and conveyed back to the cell from whence they had es- 
caped. 

‘‘Charles of Leon,” said Tarik, as the prisoners were 
forced down upon their seats, ‘ ‘ Allah knows that I am 


THE QUEEN REVENGE, 159 

pained to do this thing. I would rather ten thousand 
times set you free; but it is no will of mine.” 

And do you really mean that we must die? ” uttered 
Charles. 

**Yes. So the king has ordered.” 

And what have I done? What thing rests upon my 
head that deserves this ? ” 

“ Many have asked the same question in this very place ; 
but I have no answer for them. You must die.” 

Tarik,” said Pedro, clasping his hands together, “ let 
me die and spare my master. 0 ! one death is enough.” 

‘‘ You appeal to one who has no authority,” returned the 
jailor. 

‘‘Then let us die,” murmured Charles. “Come, 
Tarik, if the deed must be done, let there be haste about 
it.” 

“ You will forgive me, sir knight.” 

“Yes.” 

Charles saw that resistance would no longer avail him, 
but only make matters worse for him, and with a calm look 
he awaited the stroke that was to end his life. 

“Let us both die together,” urged Pedro.” 

“ That I can grant ; and 'would to heaven I could grant 
more. Charles of Leon bow your head, and the stroke 
shall be a smooth one.” 

“ God forgive me for my sins ! ” ejaculated Charles ; and 
then folding his hands across his breast, he closed his eyes 
and bowed his head. 

“ What noise is that? ” uttered Tarik, just as he drew his 
cimeter. 

“ What ho, there ! Tarik ! Tarik ! ” shouted some one 
from without. 

The jailor started, and let his cimeter fall. 

“ Tarik ! Tarik ! ” 


l6o THE QUEEN REVENGE. 

In a moment more Husam Ben Abbas, all covered with 
dust and sweat, rushed into the dungeon. 

“Is there blood spilt yet?" he gasped, gazing wildly 
about him. 

“ No," returned Tarik, half stupefied. 

“ Not a drop ? " 

“ No." 

“ Heaven be praised ! " fell from the lips of Ben Ab- 
bas ; and he sank senseless into the arms of the jailor. 


CHAPTER XXIII. 

THE VIRGIN BRIDE. 

Zehra was alone in the gaudy apartment that had been 
prepared for her. She looked like a queen in dignity, for 
her soul had become the home of a purpose that lifted her 
above the clods of fear. Three heavy lamps were burning 
in their swinging frames, and their combined power gave the 
luster of midday to the scene. Choice and fragrant flowers 
were blooming in crystal vases, tiny birds were singing in 
their golden cages, and a silvery fountain sent up its spark- 
ling waters from a marble basin in the center of the room. 
Art and nature were strangely, wonderfully combined to 
charm the senses, and the sensualist might almost fancy 
that there could be no sweeter a Heaven than this ! 

But all was lost upon her for whom the pleasure had been 
intended. She noted not the luxury of the place, nor did 
she appreciate the incentives that had arranged it for her. 
She did once bathe her feverish temples in the cool water, 
and at times she would listen abstractedly to the cheerful 
warbling of the little birds. It was getting late, and Zehra 
sat down upon the soft couch. She had almost lost herself 


THE QUEEN REVENGE. 


l6l 


in a dreamy unconsciousness, when she was aroused by the 
opening of the door of her apartment. She started to her 
feet just as Ben Hamed entered. 

‘^My daughter,” he said, ‘‘here comes your husband. 
Smile, now.” 

But Zehra could not smile. She looked up, and she saw 
the king. 

“You can leave us, Ben Hamed,” said Mohammed. 

The alcalde cast one imploring and half threatening 
glanpe at Zehra, and then left the apartment. 

The maiden was alone with the man who had wrenched 
from her all that could make life worth living for. 

“By Allah, sweet Zehra, but you look exceedingly beau- 
tiful ! ” exclaimed the king as he sat down upon the couch.. 

The maiden made no reply. 

“ Come and sit thee by me.” 

“ I would rather stand in the presence of the king,” re- 
turned Zehra. 

“ But the king is now your husband.” 

Zehra trembled, but her features were still calm. 

“ Come, sweet Zehra.” 

“ I am unworthy to approach my king.” 

As the maiden spoke she thought she saw the silken arras 
at the end of the apartment move, and also thought she 
saw a burning eye peeping forth from behind its folds, but 
she gave it no attention. 

“ Ay, fair maiden, I shall think your coyness takes color 
for your will. Come, dearest, and sit thee by my side. I 
have felt quite ill this evening, but your radiant beauty re- 
vives me. Come.” 

Zehra moved not. 

“ By Allah, maiden, this smacks of stubbornness. Now 
I command thee to come. O ! ” 


11 


i 62 


THE QUEEN’S REVENGE. 


Mohammed suddenly pressed his hand upon his bosom, 
and a pain-mark rested upon his features. 

“ What ! Will you not obey me ? Then I will try an- 
other means.” 

“ Hold, sire ! ” uttered Zehra, as the king started to his 
feet. Touch me not ! ” 

Ah ! How is this? ” exclaimed Mohammed, showing 
by his manner, that the maiden’s conduct was as. unex- 
pected as it was strange. 

Approach me not, sire.” 

^ < What mean you ? By the beard of the Prophet, but 
you act your part- curiously. Are you not mine? ” 

“No!” 

“ Ah ! Now I see thee as thou art. But such beauty as 
yours is only fit for a king, so I needs must have thee.” 

‘ ‘ Another step, and this dagger shall find my heart ! ’ ’ 
pronounced Zehra, as she drew the bright weapon and 
. raised it above her throbbing bosom. 

Mohammed was for the moment awed by the appearance 
of the noble girl before him. She trembled not, nor did 
her features move, but she stood calmly before her king, 
and her bosom was bared for the stroke of the keen instru- 
ment of death. 

“ Put up that weapon, Zehra. This is some sudden freak 
of madness. Your father told me that you came freely.” 

“I came by force, and even then I was deceived. I was 
told that if I would make sacrifice of my peace in becom- 
ing your wife, Charles of Leon should live.” 

“Ah!” uttered the king, while his frame shook with 
rage. “And do your affections still run there ? Then, I 
• too, have been deceived; but it matters not with you. I 
take not a wife at her own whim, so come to me at once.” 

“Beware, king! Lay not a hand upon me. I loathe 
you, and I have made my choice between you and death. 


THE QUEEN 'S RE VENGE. 1 63 

For me the grave offers more rest to the soul than does 
your embrace.” 

But hold, Zehra,” said the king, with a sudden change 
in his tone and manner. Suppose I would send thee 
back to thy father. When I sent for thee I thought thou 
wast ’ ’ 

Zehra knew not the king’s intent. As he spoke she let 
the point of her dagger fall, and on the instant Mohammed 
sprang forward and caught her arm. 

Now I’ll see how the love of a king shall be treated,” 
he exclaimed, as he gazed exulting into the maiden’s face. 

Ah, you are mine — mine — mine.” 

Zehra struggled, but the king caught the dagger and cast 
it away. He turned again to gaze into the beautiful feat- 
ures of the maiden he so much coveted, but the expression 
of his* countenance suddenly changed, and instinctively he 
carried his right hand to his bosom. 

Mohammed’s left hand •was fixed like the grip of a vice 
upon Zebra’s arm, and she uttered a cry of pain as the fin- 
gers sank into her flesh. 

O ! O ! ” groaned the monarch. 

Zehra thought it was rage that made him look so- 
strangely ; but the expression of his countenance soon be- 
came dreadful to look upon. He gasped for breath, and 
gradually his hold upon the maiden’s arm loosened. 

O, torture ! ” gasped Mohammed, as he carried both 
his hands to his heart. “ Zehra ! Zehra ! ” 

The maiden started back aghast. She was terrified by 
the fearful look of the king. His countenance was turning 
to an ashy paleness, and his eyes were rolling wildly in 
their sockets. 

Zehra ! Zehra ! ” he gasped, you are mine ! mine ! 
The fiends shall not snatch you from me. What ho, there ! 
Ben Hamed ! Mahmoud ! Husam Ben Abbas ! Where 


164 


THE QUEEN EE FENCE. 


are ye all ? Off ! off ! Tarik ! Tarik ! see that your 
prisoner dies ! Ha ! ha ! ha ! Abdalla must die ! He 
shall die ! Where are my attendants ? Ben Abbas, where 
art thou?” 

Wilder and more wild grew the frenzy of the king. His 
gaze at length fell upon Zehra and he sprang toward her. ^ 
With a low cry she eluded his grasp ; he took a step beyond 
her ; tottered a moment, and then fell heavily, upon the 
marble floor ! Zehra uttered a shriek of alarm, and while 
its tones still rang wildly through the perfumed air of the 
apartment the silken arras was thrown aside and Emina 
glided into the room. She approached the spot where lay 
the king and kneeled over him. 

Mohammed is dead ! ” she said. 

“ Dead ! ” cried Zehra, starting forward. 

Yes. O, Mohammed ! Mohammed ! This is the end 
of the race ; the goal of thine unfaithfulness ! I told thee 
thou shouldst never take another to thy bosom. Hadst 
thou been true I could have died for thee ; but when thou 
didst prove untrue, death was for thee alone. O, how few 
there be who know the human heart ) ” 

Emina arose to her feet and gazed into the wondering 
face of Zehra. 

“You are free,” she murmured, “ and so is the king ! ” 

“ O, this is dreadful ! ” murmured the maiden. 

“ But not so dreadful as it might have been had Moham- 
med lived,” said Emina. “ Stop not to gaze here, but 
go.” 

Ere long the cry was echoed through the Alhambra — 
“ The king is dead !"' The passages leading to the royal 
apartments were thronged, and soon Husam Ben Abbas 
came rushing into the chamber. 

“ Dead ! dead ! Is he dead ?” he cried. 


THE Q UEEN RE VENGE, 1 6 5 

Emina silently pointed to the stiff body. Ben Abbas 
bent over it and placed his hand upon the marble brow. 

“ Great heavens ! ” he uttered, death may not yet have 
done its work ! ” 

“ Yes it has,”. said Emina. 

‘ ‘ Here — here — it has ; but I meant at the prison ! O, 
for the wings of a falcon now ! ” 

Madly did Husam Ben Abbas dash from the death-cham- 
ber. All who were in his way were overturned as he hast- 
ened to stay the sword of the executioner. Hope lent him 
her speed, and with every nerve and muscle strained to 
their utmost he flew away on his self-taken mission. 

“ He spoke of saving 'Some one, did he not ? ” trem- 
blingly whispered Zehra, grasping Emina by the arm. 

‘^Yes.” 

“ Did he mean Charles of Leon ! ” 

“ He meant any whom the king had doomed. The 
Christian may yet be saved.” 

O, Heaven bless him if he succeeds ! ” 

“ Come, Zehra,” said Emina, as she looked once more 
upon the form of the king, which the attendants had raised 
to the couch, ‘‘ let us away from here.” 

Emina took the maiden by the hand as she spoke, and 
led her away. 

The old physician came and gazed upon the corpse of 
tlie king. Ben Hamed accompanied him. 

The alcalde asked what had caused the catastrophe. The 
pliysician shook his head. 

“ I fear it was the bursting of his own passionate heart. 
The fit was on him to-day.” 

Thus spoke the physician, and those who stood around 
believed him. They dreamed not of that neglected wife 
who had saved a fair maiden from the foul grasp of a sen- 
sual monarch. 


THE QUEEN REVENGE. 


1 66 


CHAPTER XXIV. 

CONCLUSION 

The sun had again risen over the city of Granada, and 
the light of day once more peeped through the chink-like 
hole in the dungeon of the Christians. They had for the 
time been spared from the cimeter, but their chains had 
been replaced, and Pedro’s case of tools had been taken 
from him. An attendant had brought them food and drink 
in the early morning, but he would answer no questions, 
only shaking his head in mysterious silence. 

The forenoon passed away, and yet the prisoners were 
left to themselves. They spoke to each other, and won- 
dered what was to be done with them. They knew not 
the message which Husam Ben Abbas had brought the night 
before. They only knew that the fainting messenger had 
been conveyed from the dungeon, and that shortly after- 
ward they had been re-chained in their former positions. 
Noon had passed, when the door of their dungeon [was 
opened, and Tarik entered. 

How now, Tarik? ” asked Charles, as he saw that the 
jailor bore in his hands a hammer and wrench. 

You must accompany me to the Alhambra.” 

Ah ; and what is that for? ” 

“I know not, only that I am ordered to conduct you 
thither. ’ ’ 

“And Pedro? ” 

“ He will accompany you.” 

Tarik proceeded to take the irons from the feet and hands 
of his prisoner, and when the work was accomplished, he 


THE QUEEN REVENGE. 


167 


bade them follow him. Charles hesitated not to obey, for 
there was something in the manner of the jailor that gave 
him a strange hope. When they reached the keeping- 
room, Tarik pointed the Christians to a small closet. 

“ In there you will find water and napkins,” said he, ‘‘and 
also some of the clothing which you left behind you when 
you made your unceremonious exit from my keeping.” 

Charles and Pedro entered the closet, and when they 
came forth they were conducted away toward the Alhamhra. 

The great Court of Lions was a scene of magic grandeur. 
The great fountain in the center was sending forth its tow- 
ers of diamond sparkling water, and even the massive mar- 
ble lions that lay crouched upon its basin, seemed ei^dowed 
with life. Richly-dressed knights were collected about the 
numerous pillars, and busy messengers were hastening to 
and fro. Into the midst of this scene were Charles of Leon 
and his esquire ushered. 

“ Ah, sir Christian,” uttered Husam Ben Abbas, step- 
ping quickly forward as he noticed the entrance of the pris- 
oners, “ you are waited for.” 

“ And wherefore? ” asked Charles, gazing about him in 
a state of utter bewilderment. 

“ Follow me, and see.” 

Those who stood around made way for Ben Abbas, and 
as they moved aside they gazed curiously upon the Chris- 
tians. 

“Sire,” said Ben Abbas, stopping before the golden 
throne, upon the soft downy cushions of which reposed a 
man bearing the brilliant garb and glittering crown of the 
Granadan monarch, “ here are the prisoners.” 

“ Charles of Leon.” 

The Christian knight started at the tones of that voice, 
and gazed up at the king. 


i68 


THE QUEEN REVENGE. 


Charles of Leon,” repeated the king, ‘‘ we have called 
you here to know tlfy business in Granada.” 

“Abdalla!” fell in doubting accents from the Chris- 
tian’s lips. 

‘‘ You recognize me, then ? ” said the king, with a smile. 

“ San Dominic ! ” ejaculated Pedro. 

‘ ‘Ah ! and you, too, wonder. I remember thy good 
advice, Pedro, which you once gave me ; it was about run- 
nig after the sun when I ought to be in bed.” 

“ Oh, mercy ! ” cried Pedro. 

“I forgive thee; so fear no more.” 

Then turning to the knight the king continued, 

“You wonder why I am here, and I suppose, too, you 
wonder why you have seen me in strange places before.” 

“ I do most assuredly,” returned Charles, gaining cour- 
age from the kind manner of the king. 

“Some others here may not know all that has trans- 
pired,” said the king, as he arose from his seat and gazed 
proudly, happily around upon his subjects. “ I am Jusef 
Abdalla, and Allah knows how cruel has been my fate. 
Years ago this throne was mine by right. Mohammed was 
my brother, and he foully cast me into prison and usurped 
my throne. Ten long years have I lain there a prisoner, 
while my unnatural kinsman revelled in these halls. You 
look wonderingly at my statement, sir Christian, but it is 
nevertheless true. Lately, good Tarik took pity on me, and 
sometimes at dead of night, and deeply disguised, he would 
allow me to walk forth and snuff heaven’s fresh air. He 
trusted to my oath that I would not betray myself. Once he let 
me out in the daytim.e. It was at the tournament. In such a 
crowd I was safe. Tarik ran a great risk, but while I live, 
and he lives, he shall never have occasion to repent of his 
kindness. 

“ I mistrusted your errand here when I met you on the 


THE QUEEN EEVENGE, 169 

road. It was a freak of chance, surely, that you gave me 
the thought, but when I once entertained it, I knew enough 
to convince me that I was right. I was not anxious that 
you should carry Zehra away from Granada, for in her had 
my hopes of regaining my throne centered. It was a strange 
thought, but yet it became almost a revelation to my mind. 
I knew the circumstances that surrounded the usurper, and 
I believed he would not live long after he had taken Zehra 
to his palace.’’ 

The king hesitated a moment and gazed into the Chris- 
tian’s face. He would not betray to those about him his 
suspicions of the part Emina had acted, but he knew that 
Charles suspected as much as he did. 

“ However,” continued Jusef, ‘Uhe matter has ended as 
well as could have been wished, though we both of us had 
a narrow chance. Husam Ben Abbas took advantage of 
Mohammed’s death, and he arrived at the prison just in sea- 
son to stop the fatal work the tyrant had planted. Now, 
Charles of Leon, about thy mission to Granada, for you are 
in my power now.” t 

Charles started and the rich blood mounted to his tem- 
ples. 

You know my mission, sire,” he tremblingly said, as he 
sank down upon his right knee. 

“ In truth I do, and let me give thee joyous news, too, 
sir Christian. ‘ . The fair being you seek is yet pure as the 
virgin snow that glitters^in the sunbeams from Nevada’s 
crown.” 

God be praised ! ” ejaculated the knight, in a fervent 
tone. O, you will. give her to me — I know you will.” 

“ That depends upon the maiden’s own choice,” re- 
turned the king. ‘‘Arise, Charles of Leon, and you shall 
hear the answer from the lips of the fair girl herself. Hu- 
sam Ben Abbas, let Zehra approach.” 


170 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE. 


In a few moments three females entered the hall and 
came near the throne. She that was in the center stepped 
tremblingly to the throne and sank upon her knees. 

Arise, lady, and lay aside your veil,” said Jusef. 

Fear not, for no harm hangs over thee.” 

As she arose she put back the veil from her face. A 
murmur of admiration ran from lip to lip, as the beautiful 
Zebra gazed forth in all her blushing, trembling loveliness. 

Zehra,” said the king, “the Christian knight of Leon, 
Charles, Count of Valladolid, claims thee at our hands. 
Tremble not, for your fate rests in your own hands. If you 
would rather stay in your own sunny Granada, you shall be 
protected; and if you will go with the knight of Leon, you 
shall go as you will it.” 

The maiden attempted to speak, but the words failed 
her. She heard her name pronounced by a well-known 
voice, and she turned and met the earnest, imploring gaze 
of her Christian lover. She forgot that the eyes of the 
king were upon her ; she forgot that a hundred brave 
knights were watching her ; she thought of the darkness 
of the past, of the fearful doom she had escaped, and while 
the sweet light of the new-found day broke in upon her 
soul, she uttered one low cry of joy, and sank into the arms 
of him to whom she had given her whole heart, with all its 
priceless love. 

“ Now, by Allah, there speaks an honest, truthful heart,” 
exclaimed the happy king, as he wiped a tear from his eye. 
“ What man in all my kingdom can tell so plain a truth as 
that?” 

“ O, she is mine! ” cried Charles, gazing up through 
his tears at the monarch. 

“Yes, Charles of Leon.” 

“Then may the choicest blessings of kind Heaven be 


THE QUEEN'S EE FENCE, 


171 

ever yours,” the knight murmured, as he sank down upon 
his knee. 

“Hold, sire!” cried Ben Hamed, starting forth from 
among the crowd of Moslem knights. “You have no 
right to give away my child thus 1 ” 

Charles of Leon started to his feet, and Zehra clung 
more closely to him. 

“Ben Hamed !” pronounced the king, while his eyes 
flashed, and his countenance wore a terrible look, how 
darest thou drag that villainous body of thine into our 
presence?* What one thing dare you claim at our hands? ” 

“ My child, sire,” uttered the alcalde, cowering beneath 
the monarch’s gaze. 

^ ^ Out upon thee, base liar ! Thou knowest well that 
Zehra is not thy child, and that she is not Moslem born. 
I was on Almanza’s bloody field when you cut down the 
servants who bore a helpless child. One woman you 
saved, and with the child you bore her off. You knew 
that child was the daughter of Henry of Leon and Castile. 
You remember the bloody affray, Ben Hamed, for you led 
the attack while Henry was on his way from Valencia to 
Segovia. Though you might hide your little prisoner from 
others, you could not hide her from me, for I saw the deed. 
You know you feared to tell my royal father on your return 
what you had done. Zehra is the sister of King John of 
Leon and Castile, and knowing this, you have thought to 
sacrifice her to the desires of my wicked brother ; and 
more too, you have tried to have Charles of Leon put to 
death because you feared he had come for her. Get thee 
now from my presence, and let me see you no more. I 
scorn to take full revenge upon you for the wrongs you did 
in helping me to prison while the usurper seized my throne; 
but beware how you throw yourself in my way again. You 


172 


THE QUEEN -^S REVENGE. 

are no longer an officer in Granada. Husam Ben Abbas is 
alcalde in your stead ! ” 

As fhe king ceased speaking, the people made way for 
the disgraced man, and Ben Hamed shrank away like a 
whipped cur from the presence of those who he well knew 
despised him. 

“Tell me, sir knight,” said the king, after Ben Hamed 
had gone, as he turned toward Charles of Leon, “ how did 
John discover where his young sister was? ” 

“ He knew not for a certainty, sire,” returned Charles. 
“Zebra’s mother was in Valencia when she gave birth to 
her child, and Henry went there, with a considerable 
force, to bring her home to Leon. His party was camped 
at Almanza, where a party of Moors set upon him. He 
looked in vain for his child after the affray was over; but 
he found the bodies of three of the female attendants, and 
as the fourth was missing, he feared she had taken the child 
and fled. Much search was made, but all was fruitless. The 
old king died, and he believed he should find his child in 
heaven. However, a few months since, two French knights, 
on their way from Granada to their own country, stopped 
at our court. They saw the portrait of Henry’s queen, 
and with much astonishment they spoke of a maiden they 
had seen here who seemed its very counterpart. They 
said, too, she was too clear in her blushing whiteness for 
a Moorish maiden. They had only seen her at a tourna- 
ment, and they knew not her name. 

“This, sire, was enough to excite king John’s curiosity, 
and gradually the hope found a home in his bosom that he 
might find his sister. I was chosen to perform the mis- 
sion. The rest you know. When I first saw Zehra, how- 
ever, her exceeding beauty prevented me from noticing the 
likeness I sought, and the circumstances, too, were 


THE QUEEN^S REVENGE. 173 

strange ; but I have seen it since, and I have triumphed in 
my work.” 

“Ay,” added Jusef, with a kindling eye, “and you 
have not triumphed alone. All that is good has triumphed, 
while evil hides its 'foul head.” 

As the king spoke, he stepped down from his throne, 
and placed one hand upon the head of the knight, and the 
other upon Zehra. 

“There,” he continued, “I can do no more for your 
happiness. What remains must be the work of your own 
king. This is the first act of my rule, and I can only pray 
that every future act of my life may be as just as in this. 
Husam Ben Abbas shall accompany you home, and other 
of our knights shall go with him. O, in after times, if 
history speaks of Jusef III., it shall, at least, tell to the 
world that he was a good and just king. 1 wish it to speak 
no more.” 

The monarch bowed his head as he spoke, and those 
who stood near him saw tears in his eyes. 

The prayers of the Moslem king were truly answered. 
He had been taught by adversity, and he was a generous, 
noble sovereign, and Granada was never so prosperous, 
never so happy, as while Jusef III. ruled her destinies. 

Emina lived all alone in the apartments that were hers 
in the Alhambra, and few knew how much she had done 
toward relieving Granada of the tyrant king; but if she 
sometimes felt sorrow for what she had done, the increas- 
ing peace of those about her helped to soothe the wound, 
and in her heart she felt that she had not done much 
vvrong. 

Ben Hamed soon found that Granada was no place for 
him, and he soon made his way to Almeira, and from thence 
across into Africa. 


74 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE. 


O, what shouts of joy — so wild, so loud, so prolonged — 
rent the air of Valladolid ! In the royal palace all was joy 
and festivity. Knights and ladies were shouting, and even the 
servants and humble esquires were joining in the loud chorus. 
Perched upon a marble pedestal, by the side of an Indian 
statue, stood Pedro Bambino. He was swinging his cap 
in mad delight, while big tears of joy were coursing down 
his sunburned cheeks. 

An aged bishop had just been performing the ceremony 
that made Charles of Leon and Zehra one for life. King 
John clasped his sister again and again to his bosom, and 
he blessed God for the joy he had found. 

"‘You will not be jealous of a brother’s love. Sir Charles,” 
he said, as he at length resigned the blushing bride to her 
husband. 

"" No, no, sire,” the knight returned, with a beaming 
look. “ I would have all love her ; and were she not my 
bride your happiness would repay me for all that I have 
undergone. As it is, this happiness is almost too much.” 

‘ ‘ Then you must look to it that you make it last. ’ ’ 

“ Ah, sire,” returned Charles, clasping Zehra to his 
bosom, “while this gentle being lives, my happiness can- 
not grow less.” 

“ Heaven grant it ! ” uttered a deep voice, and Husam 
Ben Abbas took Zehra by the hand. “Fair lady,” he 
continued, “I must leave you now. My stay has been as 
long as is proper. When I go to Granada what shall I tell 
your friends?” 

The fair being looked at her brother and then upon her 
husband. Then she turned toward Ben Abbas, and with 
a voice made tremulous by joyful emotion, she said : 

“Tell them that Zehra is happy. But O, Ben Abbas, 
you cannot tell them all the happiness I feel ! Words 


THE QUEEN'S REVENGE, 1 75 

cannot express it all, no more than an earthly minstrel can 
sing the joys of the seraphim ! ” 

The Moslem raised the small white hand to his lips, a 
tear sparkled in his dark eye, and then he turned away, to 
carry the message to his own people in the south. 


THE SOU VENIR SERIES. 

The works comprising: this series are selected with great care, the aim being 
to include only the best and most popular works by writers of known ability. 
Each book is printed in large type on good paper, and uniformly bound in 
attractive paper covers. 

No. 


No. 

1 . The Three Guardsmen. By Alex- 

ander Dumas. 

2. The First Violin. By Jessie 

Fothergill. 

3. Mary St. John. By Rosa Nou- 

chette Carey. 

4. Under-Currents. By “ The 

Duchess.” 

5. The Pz’airie. By J. Fenimore 

Cooper. 

6. Knight-Errant. By Edna Lyall. 

7. Babylon. By Grant Allen. 

8. The Deemster. By Hall Caine. 

9. The Miseries of Paris. By Eu- 

gene Sue. 

10. A Hardy Norseman. By Edna 

Lyall. 

11. Wee Wifie. By Rosa Nouchette 

Carey. 

12. A Woman’s Heart. By Mrs. 

Alexander. 

13. Eve. By S. Baring-Gould. 

14. Tempest Driven. By R. Dowling. 

15. A Terrible Legacy. By. G. W. 

Appleton. 

18. Two Years Before the Mast. By 
R. H. Dana, Jr. 

17. The Silence of Dean Maitland. 

By Maxwell Gray. 

18. Saddle and Sabre. By H. Smart. 

19. Second Thoughts. By Rhoda 

Broughton. 

20. St. Katharine’s by the Tower. 

By Walter Besant. 

21. One Maid’s Mischief. By George 

Manville Fenn. 

22. Molly Bawn. By “The Duchess.” 

23. Lady Audley’s Secret. By Miss 

M. E. Braddon. 

24. Kith and Kin. By J. Fothergill. 

25. Edmond Dantes. By Alexander 

Dumas. 

26. Pilgrim’s Progress. ByBunyan. 

27. The Last of the Mohicans. By J. 

Fenimore Cooper. 

28. The White Company. By A. 

Conan Doyle. 

29. This Wicked World. By Mrs. H. 

Lovett Cameron. 

30. Scheherazade. By Florence 

Warden. 

31. One Life, One Love. By Miss 

M. E. Braddon. 

82. My Danish Sweetheart. By W. 
Clark Russell. 

33. In the Heart of the Storm. By 

Maxwell Gray. 

34. Donald Ross of Heimra. By 

William Black. 

35. Doctor Cupid. Rhoda Broughton. 


36. The Count of Monte Cristo. By 

Alexander Dumas. 

37. Cast Up By the Sea. By Sir 

Samuel W. Baker, 

38. A Born Coquette. By “The 

DucliGSS. 

39. Willy Reiily. By Win. Carleton. 

40. Armorel of Lyonesse. By Wal- 

ter Besant. 

41. A Modern Circe. By “ The 

Duchess.” 

42. The Story of Antony Grace. By 

George Manville Fenn. 

43. The Wonderful Adventures of 

Phra, the Phoenician. Retold 
by Edwin Lester Arnold. 

44. Oliver Twist. By Dickens. 

45. April’s Lady. By “The Duchess. 

46. The Duke’s Secret. By Charlotte’ 

M. Braeme. 

47. The Reproach of Annosley. By 

Maxwell Gray 

48. Breezie Langton. By H. Smart. 

49. The Hon. Mrs. Vereker. By 

Tli0 Diiclicss.^^ 

60. Won by Waiting. By Edna Lyall. 

61. A Prince of Darkness. By Flor- 

ence Warden. 

52. Mona’s Choice. By Mrs. Alex- 

ander. 

53. Marvel. By “ The Duchess.” 

64. Fair Women. By Mrs. Forrester. 
66. A Fiery Ordeal. By C. M. Braeme. 

56. A Life’s Remorse. By “ The 

Duchess.” 

57. Allan Quartermain. By H. Rider 

Haggrard. 

58. The Witch’s Head. By H. Rider 

Haggard. 

59. Weaker Than a Woman. By 

Charlotte M. Braeme. 

60. Twenty Thousand Leagues Un- 

der the Sec. By Jules Veime. 

61. The Son of Porthos. By Alex- 

ander Dumas. 

62. A Dateless Bargain. By C. li. 

Pirkis. 

63. Grimm’s Fairy Tales. 

64. A Woman’s War. By Charlotte 

M. Braeme. 

65. Anna Kar6nine. By Tolstoi. 

66. His Helpmate. By F. Barrett. 

67. Vivian, the Beauty. By Mrs. 
" Annie Edwards. 

68. Dora Thorne. By C. M. Braeme. 

69. Tom Brown’s Schooldays. By 

Thomas Hughes- 

70. Michael StrogofE. By Jules Verne. 

71. The Old House at Sandwich. By 

Joseph Hatton. 


Any of theabove books will be sent by mail, postpaid, upon receipt of 
price, TWENTY-FIVE CENTS each. Address 

THE F. M. LUPTON PUBLISHING COMPANY, 

No. 65 Duane Street, New York, 





t 


\ 























\ 





I . 


> 





y 

4 



« k 






I 


# 



J 


V < 




1 


/ 

k 

V 

f 






'■S' 


rii-i 



f 


' L 



«» 


t 







9 



\ / 


« 






tk 


t 




f 

W 


VA« 



s r 


1 



« 


* 




I 

% 


9 


I 


I 


• - 


,1 

I 


» 





* 


I 


I 






'•* • ■^‘ \t ' *>i ‘ 

V ..... • r ■ , • 


y 

< 




» • 










i 





« 


' ' •' y * 


•4 

I 

t 



» 


% 


4 • 


» 



4 


1 


t 



# 






# 





►A 


!’••• 


V ' 

« 



» 




# 



I 


4 

» 


I 




7 

4 


# 


\ 

4 * 


» 


V 

• k 


• • 


/ 

» 



/ f /l 


I 

• \ 


\ 





k 


•. ' 



■ \t* * . 

•' ■ » 



*r 


;■ 

I 


* 




# 

* 


« 


.. ' • . 1 

« 

^ V ' • .Vf ' • .• w 

‘ ; •% 


« 

I 





/I 




.,f 


fi 


1 


library of congress 






'■ V'- . ■ ■ - tv-.- V*. - ’ • - 

... > ■ : t • ■' , 

• ' ■: . ' ■' J'T. - ® • - 

.i ’’’ .• ' ^ i ' . ■ • •’ . 






0 □ □ 1 H b a 0 T fi 




■ ’"-A 


■V 




‘ ‘ ; 





:• (, * -•>_ 


u 


\ I 




, ^ v , I 


V .' . •» 

.. * « • 








'y 

'ii ... 




-...fc.V-'- 


' j ■■ •' t ^ 

j', » --i . \; 


M » . , 


* * *' '. 4 * *,. * 


»• • t* 


V-.',." -v'; .,v i .T, 

I ■ . • - ' • I • • ; M , i • 1 . . . . - V . ' ■ ■ ; ■ • ■ • ' , • * 

r' .-'f " a ' ■ ii ■ '• ■ ' ’ , "i ^ 

■..V: ^ J 


,r r '■ 




r • »• 

*• . . . . * 


P ■■ T 




:: ■ . 


» • ' * 




■ • rl .. '* : 


. • : ; • ■ !* > 


(• ' • ♦ 


' I 

"rcr ■■ 












.1 U ' ■ ■ 


. • • .» . ii 


► , n , ■» 


r' ♦ *' r ■ - 


■i". , '• 

.-v V-- I 


•• -V '• 


« 


V. , • 0 fi 


. ‘ . ,v ■: .■ ,‘-^4* • .? i.- ^ ^ 

‘ ^ ^ -■..•I,* '- '• I 

. ■■■ •• ■■■“ . ■.■■ •; . . :■■ 


‘ V >* ■ ' 

* ' .'.* ■■■ 


4^6 


. • » 




» • 






m 


,• if i 


. % . t . f* r 


r 




; * • 


' ' * I . . ► i p ;■' * J K. I 

‘ r f ..f ;> u f 


> • 4 .W - •• 


. ^ 1 



I 

» > 


